Camarines Sur officials went viral on social media after they were video recorded while distributing money to their affected constituents after the onslaught of Typhoon Kristine in their province.
The video showed Camarines Sur Congressman LRay Villafuerte on a boat, distributing money to people who didn’t mind the waist-deep flood.
Aside from the lawmaker, his son, Camarines Sur Governor Luigi Villafuerte, was also on the same boat, watching the people swarming them for money.
The Villafuertes received criticism on social media for distributing money instead of necessities like food and water to Kristine’s affected residents.
“Nakaka gigil yung ganito. Please bicol folks parang awa nyo na maging matalino na kayo sa pagboto.. wala na ba ibang lalaban sa mga ito or kahit ba sino iboto nyo sa bicol puro makakapal ang mukha???” a netizen said.
“Sadly may mga nabibili. Sa kaunting halaga madaling napepersuade ang ibang tao. Ni hindi na nila narerealize kung paano nayuyurakan ng mga pulitikong gaya niyan ang dignidad nila. We need leaders na makakapag boost ng morale ng mga tao sa ganitong pagkakataon,” another netizen remarked.
Meanwhile, others asked the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) if the Villafuertes engaged to vote buying as they were both running for the 2025 Elections.