Content creator and self-styled “Philippine Looper” Ferdinand Dela Merced has been declared persona non grata in the entire province of Negros Oriental following a social media post that allegedly insulted local officials amid preparations for Typhoon Tino.
The resolution, filed by 2nd District Board Member Erwin Michael L. Macias and approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Monday, November 10, cited Dela Merced’s statements that were seen as “disrespectful” and damaging to the province’s image.
“It has reached a point where his action has already affected the image of not only the province but the people of Negros Oriental,” Macias said during the session. “With that, your Honor, being laid down as basis, I would like to file a resolution declaring Mr. Ferdinand Dela Merced as persona non grata in the province of Negros Oriental.”
According to the resolution, Dela Merced arrived in Dumaguete City on November 1 and was provided accommodations by the provincial government. However, he later made a Facebook post on November 3 claiming neglect by provincial authorities and the tourism office.
“Whereas despite the hospitality extended, Mr. Dela Merced posted statements on social media alleging neglect by the provincial authorities and the provincial tourism office on November 3, 2025,” the resolution read. It further stated that government officials were “fully engaged in urgent disaster response and preparation efforts” at that time due to Typhoon Tino’s imminent landfall.
The board also noted that Dela Merced downplayed the seriousness of the typhoon in one of his earlier posts, where he said: “‘Yong bagyo, may bagyo naman talaga tayo, e. Wala namang problema sa bagyo natin kasi ‘yong bagyo, taon-taon naman talaga. Ang hirap bang intindihin na magpapa-tap lang ako?”
The resolution was unanimously adopted and signed by Negros Oriental Vice Governor Cezanne Fritz Diaz.
Following the declaration, Dela Merced took to his verified Facebook page, where he has over one million followers, to issue his reaction.
“No worries kesa naman tumagal ako sa lugar n’ya na sabihan ako ng [heto] na ang Philippine Blooper na PALAMUNIN NG BANSA. Diba Gilbert Dizon!” he wrote.
He also criticized the provincial tourism officer, recounting a heated encounter: “At sa Tourism natin na nag high pitch… na Officer!
Tourism: SINO KA? ANO KAILANGAN MO DITO?
Me: (Ako si…)
Tourism: ALAM KO! AT 10 AM ANG PASOK NAMIN AT GABI KAMI UMUUWI SA TRABAHO.”
Dela Merced said he only intended to make a courtesy call to local officials.
“Ganyan kayo sumalubong sa mag-courtesy call lang bilang pagbibigay galang sa namumuno sa provincial n’yo?” he said, adding that he had already issued a public apology. “Nag public apology n’ko sa inyo. Hindi kayang tanggapin ako na unang nasaktan, nag public apology pa ko.”
He also addressed questions about his alleged lack of registration with the Philippine Loop Adventure Tour (PLAT), explaining that he failed his medical clearance but proceeded with his solo ride.
“Training pa lang ako kausap ko na ‘yang (PLAT) Philippine Loop Adventure Tour… Gusto ko talaga magpa-register sa kanila. Kaso nangyari, sa sobrang excited napainom ako… Kinabukasan nagpa-medical ako pero hypertension,” he said.
He added that PLAT had warned him he might not be able to complete the journey alone, but he pushed through regardless. “Pero pinatunayan ko na kaya ko. As a hiker, sanay kami uminom at maglakad ng sagaran… That’s why Philippine Loop Hiking Edition ang pinakilala ko,” he said.
Despite the controversy, Dela Merced’s following on social media continues to grow, with his verified page now reaching over one million followers.
