Businessman and talent manager Wilbert Tolentino has publicly called out Samantha Bernardo, accusing the Miss Grand International 2020 first runner-up and ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ alumna of being “walang utang na loob” and “unprofessional.”
In a series of Facebook posts, Tolentino claimed he helped Samantha financially during her Miss Grand International journey in Thailand, covering her airfare, wardrobe, and other expenses.
“Ni isang acknowledge o magpasalamat man lang, never ko narinig sa interview niya,” Wilbert wrote, expressing disappointment that the beauty queen allegedly failed to credit him for his support.
He also alleged that Samantha ignored him after earning commissions from selling him insurance policies. “Tatlong policy kinuha ko sa kanya. Ni proper turnover at ni ‘hi’ o ‘hello,’ deadma na siya kasi nakuha na niya commission niya,” he said.
Tolentino further claimed that their mentors, Rodin Gilbert Flores and Giovanni Lazaro Flores, could attest to her supposed behavior, calling Samantha “plastic” and a “user.”
“Kapag nagkita kami sa event, nag-hi hello pa. Share ko lang din para alam din ng tao kung gaano siya ka-unprofessional,” he added.
In response, Samantha issued a short but firm statement on social media, choosing not to engage in a back-and-forth exchange.
“I don’t need to explain myself. Some people rewrite stories just to escape accountability — but respect is shown in actions, not in words.”
“When people reveal who they are, believe them. I don’t clap back, I don’t chase, I don’t compete. Removing access to my peace is already enough. Peace be with you. ”
This isn’t the first time tensions between the two have surfaced. In 2022, Tolentino posted cryptic tweets calling Samantha and her camp “users” and “snakes.”
“I never ask anything in return. I don’t need to expect gratitude from anyone. Public apology is enough for me from you and from your handler. Otherwise, I will spill the T what your snake handler did to the entire PBB housemates,” Tolentino wrote at the time, sharing screenshots of his conversations with the beauty queen.
Tolentino was known to be a strong supporter of Samantha during her ‘PBB: Kumunity Season 10’ stint, where she was part of the “Ka-Freshness” group with fellow housemate Madam Inutz (Daisy Lopez).
Fans have since been divided over the issue — with some defending Wilbert’s call for acknowledgment, while others praised Samantha’s calm and dignified response.
Back in 2022, Samantha also urged her followers to end the negativity, tweeting: “Hello outside world! Please let’s STOP THE HATE AND SPREAD LOVE and KINDNESS ONLY! ♥️ I LOVE YOU ALL!”
As of now, neither party has provided further details about the root of their fallout, but the controversy continues to stir discussion among pageant fans and social media followers alike.
