Social media personality Bretman Rock has addressed questions surrounding a ₱550,000 donation he made to his former elementary school in the Philippines following a Remitly TikTok advertisement released in November 2025.
Speaking on a podcast, Bretman shared that the donation was part of a paid campaign for Remitly, during which he chose to give back to the school he attended as a child.
“I did an ad for Remitly where I donated half a million pesos to the elementary school that I went to when I was growing up in the Philippines,” Bretman said. “We have a cousin who is a teacher there.”
However, the donation later became the subject of confusion and concern among some teachers, who questioned why they had not been informed about the funds.
“A lot of the associates, the teachers, are like, ‘Where is the money? Why aren’t you telling us about it?’” he recalled.
Due to the lack of clear communication, Bretman said his family stepped in to help resolve the matter.
“My mom got involved and texted our cousin that I need to talk to the principal right now,” he said, adding that his mother requested proper documentation and receipts. According to Bretman, the issue was eventually settled after clarifications were made.
Following the online discussion, Adelino Pacris, who identified himself as connected to Sanchez Mira Central Elementary School, released a detailed statement denying allegations that he attempted to personally benefit from the donation.
“This is to address the issue being raised against me for supposedly having the intention to ‘pocket’ a donation generously given by one of the former pupils of our school, Sanchez Mira Central Elementary School in the total amount of Php 555,000,” Pacris wrote.
He explained that the donation was initially communicated through a team representing the donor, prompting him to be cautious due to fears of a possible scam.
“With all due respect and humility, I never had any inkling of intention to ‘pocket’ this huge amount remitted to my account,” he said.
Pacris admitted that the money was temporarily remitted to his personal account but stressed that it was done for safekeeping while the donation’s legitimacy and intended use were being verified.
“I sought the advise of a lawyer since I was not expert on the matter and it contained provisions that I understand but I was afraid I could not correctly comprehend,” he said, referring to a “Release and Agreement” document he received.
According to Pacris, it took more than a week before he signed the document and several more weeks before the donation was confirmed as legitimate. He also said faculty members were informed of the donation but were advised not to disclose it publicly while plans were still being finalized.
“Thereafter, the total amount of Php 555,000 was withdrawn from my account and I turned over said money to the Treasurer of the PTA. I have proof to support my claims,” he stated.
Pacris emphasized that the controversy has taken a toll on his family and reputation.
“I want to clear my name as it has affected not only me and my reputation but most importantly my children and my wife. Again, my conscience is clean. The money was never mine to begin with,” he said.
He added that the donation has since been used for a school project that has already been completed.
“Lastly, the agreed project was then implemented well and the school is already enjoying the best ever project first in the district,” Pacris said, appealing to the public to stop spreading what he described as false information.
As of this writing, no legal action has been announced by either party, and both Bretman Rock and school officials have indicated that the donation issue has been resolved.
