Actress and entrepreneur Ellen Adarna has gone viral after issuing a bold statement on social media, calling out those who continue to associate with corrupt politicians and contractors in Cebu following the devastation brought by Typhoon Tino.
In an Instagram Story, Ellen shared an article from Business Mirror alongside a powerful message directed at her followers and peers, particularly those with personal ties to local officials and business figures accused of corruption.
“Since I have a handful of friends/family who are associated with corrupt politicians and contractors… how many of us still turn a blind eye to corruption because it’s ‘family’ or ‘friends?’” she wrote.
“Cebu is so small we know who the corrupt ones are. Cut ties with these mfs!!!”
Her post quickly trended across platforms, earning praise for her courage in speaking up against corruption in her own province. Many netizens lauded her for “saying what most people are afraid to say.”
Ellen went on to question how some people could continue to attend lavish parties or socialize with known corrupt figures while others in the province were suffering from the flood’s aftermath.
“Have you taken a stand and cut ties with these individuals/families? Or do we just keep pretending nothing’s wrong—laughing, beso diri ug didto, and showing up to their extravagant million-peso parties when invited?” she said.
She also acknowledged that those who dare to speak up against corruption often face subtle retaliation from those in power.
“And then they make your business harder. Ganyan talaga ang style. Hindi ka nila pipigilan. Medyo pahihirapan ka lang sa buhay. All of a sudden, every approval is delayed. Every document questioned. Every rule bent just enough to make it too expensive or too stressful for you to keep speaking,” Ellen explained.
Ellen’s outburst comes amid growing outrage in Cebu, where Typhoon Tino left widespread flooding, massive property damage, and hundreds dead or missing. Many residents have blamed corruption and substandard flood-control projects for worsening the disaster’s impact.
Adarna, a proud Cebuana, has long been known for her unfiltered views on social media. This latest statement, however, marks one of her strongest political stances yet — one that directly challenges the powerful elite in her hometown.
Her message resonated with many Filipinos calling for accountability and reform. Civic groups and local advocates have since echoed her plea for transparency in Cebu’s infrastructure projects.
