The adage goes, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Ongoing reports of alleged “ghost” flood control projects have once again thrown the spotlight on corruption in government, and as more Filipinos are raising their voices, celebrities and content creators are using their platforms to echo the public’s frustrations and amplify calls for accountability.

These are just some of them:

1. Anne Curtis

Actress and It’s Showtime! host Anne Curtis expressed her sentiments about the alleged ghost flood control projects on X, writing: “When [Ma’am Jessica Soho] said ‘Hindi na pala baha ang magpapalubog sa ating bayan kung di kasakiman’ Sakit.”

2. Bianca Gonzales

For Pinoy Big Brother host Bianca Gonzales, the rampant corruption in the country highlights the stark contrast between ordinary working Filipinos and the family members of corrupt officials, who enjoy a lavish lifestyle.

She poses the question we’re all asking: “Paano ba ‘to?”

3. Nadine Lustre

In an interview, multi-award-winning actress Nadine Lustre expressed her heartbreak over the struggles of Filipinos, urging everyone to speak up and demand accountability.

“Nakaka-galit, nakaka-lungkot na ‘yung binibigay natin na buwis sa ganon napupunta. Nakakainis talaga. It is sad funds are being used for something else,” Nadine told ABS-CBN.

4. Karen Davila

For seasoned broadcast journalist Karen Davila, it’s about time to call out government officials involved in corruption.

“Sa ibang bansa, ang nagnanakaw sa gobyerno nakukulong o naghaharakiri. Sa Pilipinas, kina-iinggitan. Tama na,” Karen wrote on X.

5. Macoy Dubs

Content creator Macoy Dubs poked fun at so-called nepo babies who flaunt their luxurious lifestyle in a hilarious get-ready-with-me” skit.

“So, this one, our top, it’s from the people of the Philippines. So, you like it, right?” he quipped. “Yeah, 12% value-added tax.”

6. Edu Manzano

Actor and former Makati Vice Mayor Edu Manzano spoke out against the injustices plaguing the country, sharing hilarious AI-generated images of himself as a corrupt official/contractor. In one image, he is pictured inside a car adorned with Hermès branding, with a construction site in the background.

“Second day at work… pero abot na hanggang second life ang budget ko.”

In another post, he also wrote about corrupt politicians’ hypocrisy, presenting themselves as God-fearing without walking the talk: “This is why corruption thrives. Politicians steal but still appear holy because they donate [to] chapels. Leaders kneel in church in the morning and steal in the afternoon. Citizens sin, confess, and feel clean again. The cycle repeats. Everyone sins, everyone is forgiven, and nothing changes.”

7. Jacque Manabat

Journalist and content creator Jacque Manabat reminded everyone to stop idolizing individuals for being rich.

“If someone lives in luxury with no real job or clear source of income, magtaka na tayo. That’s not something inspiring. It’s a lie,” read Jacque’s Facebook post. “Real success is built on honesty, not cheating.”

8. Carla Abellana

Animal advocate, actress, and the internet’s ‘Patron Saint of Concerned Citizens,’ Carla Abellana, recently reacted to a report on luxury cars owned by Sarah and Curlee Discaya, featured on Julius Babao’s YouTube channel in September 2024.

“Ah, sa kanila pala lahat yun! Nag-taping na kami sa building na yan sa Pasig!” Carla wrote on her Instagram Story. “And I was like, ‘parang alam ko na kung ano ang ‘business’ ng may-ari nitong mga to.'”

What other celebrities have you seen speaking out against corruption recently?