Outrage in Philippines as socialite Heart Evangelista, ‘nepo babies’ return to spotlight

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Sam BeltranFebruary 6, 2026 at 06:30 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

Filipino actress and influencer Heart Evangelista's return to Paris Fashion Week has sparked outrage in the Philippines. This comes amid a major corruption scandal implicating her husband, former senate president Francis Escudero, who is accused of accepting kickbacks from flood control projects. Public anger is directed towards Evangelista and other "nepo babies," referring to family members of wealthy figures, due to their perceived lavish lifestyles funded by corruption. Filipinos have taken to social media to expose and shame these displays of wealth, including private jet travel and luxury purchases. The backlash has led some influencers, like Claudine Co, to deactivate their social media accounts. The scandal and subsequent public shaming highlight growing discontent with corruption and wealth disparity in the Philippines.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Milan 30% Paris ×240% Claudine Co 50% Paris Fashion Week 60% Francis Escudero ×270% Philippines 80% Heart Evangelista ×490%

Keywords

corruption scandal 90% philippines 80% influencer 70% social media 70% nepo babies 70% public outrage 60% lavish lifestyle 60% heart evangelista 50% francis escudero 40%