“Like Hello?!” Claudine Co’s Viral Statement Sparks Outrage Online
CLAUDINE CO – Social media erupted after lifestyle vlogger Claudine Co declared that her family owed nothing to Filipinos despite her father’s company bagging massive government projects.
“LIKE, hello? Wala kaming utang na loob sa mga Pilipino, okay?” was the blunt remark of Claudine Co, daughter of businessman Christopher Co, the owner of Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corporation.
The construction firm of her father is among the top 15 contractors in the country that have secured a significant number of flood control projects. Claudine is also the niece of Zaldy Co, CEO of Sunwest Group of Companies, another contractor included in the same list under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Although her family hails from Bicol, Claudine rose to fame in Manila as a lifestyle YouTuber, gaining millions of followers before her channel was recently deactivated. Her name, however, has become even more prominent not because of her vlogs but due to the controversy surrounding her family’s involvement in government projects and her recent public statement.
The lavish lifestyle that Claudine showcased online has also fueled public criticism. On her channel, she flaunted her family mansion, luxury handbags, travels to 38 countries, and even a staggering P938,000 single receipt for dinner at a well-known hotel in Bonifacio Global City, which she enjoyed with her friends.
With widespread flooding in various parts of the country, many Filipinos are questioning where the government’s flood control budget has gone. Against this backdrop, Claudine’s dismissive response to netizens only intensified the criticism. Instead of clarifying the issue with sincerity, she addressed the public in a tone many described as arrogant.
“Like hello? Wala kaming utang na loob sa mga Pilipino, okay? This is not from taxpayers’ money, the Government literally paid us for the service that our business provided. Gets?” she asserted.
Observers were quick to point out the flaw in her reasoning, highlighting that government payments to contractors ultimately come from taxpayers’ money. Her response has since been labeled as tone-deaf and insensitive.
At present, all of Claudine’s social media accounts under her full name, Claudine Julia Monique Co, have been deactivated following the backlash.
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