Social media erupted after Christophe Bariou, the French-Filipino partner of actress Nadine Lustre, revealed on Instagram that they were allegedly offered a ₱50 million bribe ahead of the 2025 elections—a deal he said was meant to buy their silence over alleged corruption and environmental issues in Siargao.
Bariou, who has lived on the island for 11 years and is an active advocate for local communities and environmental preservation, said the incident was connected to the controversial Union-Malinao Bridge Project, which he and Lustre had openly criticized for allegedly causing ecological damage and displacing residents.
“Before the elections, individuals claiming to represent certain politicians approached Nadine and me, offering to ‘resolve’ the bridge issue if we provided ₱50 million in cash,” Bariou wrote. “When that obviously failed, they proposed, ‘Join us and support us during these local elections and… maybe we can sit down and talk about the bridge.’”
According to Bariou, the offer was immediately rejected.
“We don’t make deals with corruption… ever,” Nadine reportedly told them.
Bariou’s post, titled “Siargao Deserves Accountability,” detailed what he described as a “cycle of corruption”—a system that continues to harm not just the island’s ecosystem but also the livelihood of its residents.
He alleged that despite a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) order to halt the bridge project due to falsified approval documents, construction continued.
“Projects like these are happening all over the island, receiving little to no attention because those affected often lack resources, legal protection, or the ability to speak up without fear,” he wrote.
Bariou further claimed that after Typhoon Odette struck in December 2024, some relief goods were diverted and repackaged for political purposes, adding that such misuse of public aid underscores the depth of corruption in local governance.
He then issued a public appeal to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and other national agencies to investigate alleged irregularities and misuse of funds on the island.
“I respectfully call on Secretary Vince Dizon of the DPWH, whose ongoing efforts to address corruption seem genuine, as well as on every national agency investigating the misuse of public funds, to include Siargao island among their priorities for review and reform,” he said.
Online, Bariou’s revelations sparked widespread discussion and support. Many netizens commended the couple for their courage and integrity, praising them for refusing the bribe and standing firm against corruption.
“You and Nadine have always been steadfast in your fight for justice,” one follower wrote. “When most stayed silent, you forged on even when the price to pay was steep.”
As of press time, neither the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) nor the local government of Siargao has issued a statement regarding Bariou’s allegations.
LionhearTV remains open to publishing their clarifications once released.
