The most controversial issues on social media in 2024

PCSO's edited photo

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) marked the start of the year with an issue after its photo of a lone bettor—who won P43.9 million on Dec. 28, 2023—turned out to be edited.

Social media users pointed out that the texture and lighting of the bettor's body were different compared to PCSO Assistant General Manager Julieta Aseo, who's supposedly handing out a check. The winner's long skirt also had a noticeable dark blue outline.

PCSO general manager Melquiades Robles later confirmed the photo was edited, noting that it was done for security purposes. He said some winners complained about being recognized by their neighbors for their outfits.

Still, Robles pointed out that the winner was a real person: a 47-year-old housewife from San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan.

Mariel Rodriguez's IV drip session at the Senate

Mariel Rodriguez in February posted having an intravenous (IV) drip session at the office of her husband, Sen. Robin Padilla, which quickly raised eyebrows and prompted her post's deletion.

Rodriguez, who was visiting in support of the Eddie Garcia bill's third and final reading, took pride in having "drip anywhere," even taking note of its supposed health benefits that it must be done consistently.

Many users called out Rodriguez, saying it was inappropriate to do such a thing in a prestigious building like the Senate.

Days afterward, Padilla wrote an apology letter to the Senate's medical and dental bureau chief and sergeant-at-arms, saying his wife didn't intend to breach Senate protocols.

Rodriguez, meanwhile, apologized to the public but explained she was trying to inspire others to prioritize their health amid various activities or wherever they are.

Chocolate Hills resort

Last March, Captain's Peak Garden and Resort, which was located at the foot of the protected Chocolate Hills, became a hot topic on social media—as well as meme fodder—after a vlogger posted about it, making social media users and lawmakers question the Bohol provincial government and the environment department why its construction was allowed.

Bohol has been declared a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark. According to its website, UNESCO Global Geoparks are “single, unified geographical area where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development.”

Following the controversy, the DENR said it placed a temporary closure order on Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort in September 2023. It said it also issued a notice of violation to the project proponent in January 2024 for operating without an environmental compliance certificate.

But resort manager Julieta Sables, in an interview on TV5's Frontline Pilipinas, stressed that they were permitted to run the business, which has been operational since 2019.

Days after the controversy, the resort announced its temporary closure, citing “maintenance and environmental preservation efforts.”

In May, the Ombudsman placed Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado and 68 other government officials under preventive suspension without pay for six months.

They were charged with grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty. Investigators also found that the officials tolerated the operation and expansion of the resort.

Takoyaki brand's forehead tattoo prank

Taragis gave a challenge to its patrons on April Fools' Day, promising a P100,000 cash prize to anyone who would have the brand's logo tattooed on their forehead.

A certain Ramil Albano, 47, "curiously" did so and shared proof in the comments, demanding the money supposedly for his child's education.

But Taragis insisted that it was an April Fools' Day joke and shouldn't be held accountable for what happened, causing several brands to give support—in cash and in-kind—to the seemingly empty-handed Albano.

Amid public pressure, the food brand's owner Carl Quion released a video on April 2 showing him handing the cash to Albano. Still, many netizens remained skeptical.

Days later, Quion admitted that everything was an elaborately planned marketing stunt.

Eva Darren dropped in FAMAS 2024 lineup of presenters

The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) stirred controversy in May after it dropped veteran actress Eva Darren from its lineup of presenters last minute, without explanation.

On May 27, Darren's son Fernando De La Peña recalled his mother receiving a notice of invitation for the FAMAS "a couple of months ago," and was given a script "to go over and memorize as an awards presenter" alongside fellow veteran actor Tirso Cruz III. Despite maintaining a private life for decades, she made immense preparations and went to the event with her grandchildren.

But during the awards night, Cruz presented the award alongside singer Sheena Palad.

Later in the day, FAMAS issued an official statement expressing their "sincerest apologies" to Darren as they explained the production team "was not able to locate" her that night. Darren and her family have accepted the apology.

On May 30, FAMAS' then-social media manager Johnrey Rivas said Darren was already missing from the lineup of presenters days before the awards night on May 26, so the production staff was not looking for her at all when she thought it was time for her to go on stage.

Rivas said Darren was still in the program's first script on May 17, with FAMAS public relations officer Renz Spangler inviting her to be a presenter after selling tickets to her for the show.

But on May 24, when they talked about the final list of confirmed presenters, Rivas claimed Spangler didn't say whether Darren was in the program as she didn't attend the final coordination meeting and rehearsal day. Without a confirmation on Darren, Rivas said they called Glaiza De Castro as backup. He noted that Darren wasn't the only missing name on the list but also other stars like Gloria Diaz, LA Santos, Alfred Vargas, and Ken Chan.

Rivas also criticized the FAMAS's official statement, alleging that it was used to save Spangler "to protect his emotional and mental issues."

Rendon Labador and Rosmar Tan declared personae non gratae in Coron

In June, controversial internet personality Rendon Labador and entrepreneur-turned-aspiring politician Rosmar Tan were declared personae non gratae in Coron, Palawan, after confronting an employee of the vice mayor's office.

At the time, Tan and Labrador shot a vlog showing them distributing groceries to residents and promoting tourism on the island. But Jho Cayabyab Trinidad, on her personal Facebook account, accused them of exploiting Coron residents.

Intending to air their displeasure over Trinidad's post, Tan and Labador visited the office of Coron Mayor Marjo Reyes, who was in Puerto Princesa at that time. They were caught on video shouting and pointing at Trinidad.

Trinidad posted a public apology to Tan and Labador, but Coron's municipal council member John Patrick Reyes said they're already declared personae non gratae.

In a guesting on Ogie Diaz's vlog in July, Labador said he has no regrets over the incident.

Jude Bacalso allegedly demands waiter to stand for hours for calling her 'sir'

Former television personality Jude Bacalso, who uses she/her pronouns, went viral in July after allegedly demanding a waiter to stand for two hours as punishment for calling her "sir."

The incident, captured by a concerned netizen, took place at a mall in Cebu City, which has an anti-discrimination ordinance.

Bacalso apologized for the "series of errors"—which included a lengthy discussion with the restaurant owners—saying she could've dealt with the incident "with a little measure of kindness." She clarified that she didn't scream nor shout at the waiter, much less demand him to stand for hours.

The waiter's lawyer, meanwhile, in August told PhilSTAR L!fe they filed cases of unjust vexation, grave scandal, grave coercion, grave threats, and slight illegal detention against Bacalso.

'Gil Tulog' replacement of Gil Puyat Avenue

Toward the end of July, signages of Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati were replaced with Gil Tulog Avenue.

The move, which was part of a marketing campaign for supplement brand Wellspring, rubbed netizens the wrong way as the supposed witty stunt was dubbed a form of disrespect to the late Senate president, whom the avenue was named after. It was also criticized for likely causing confusion to motorists.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay said a request to replace the signs in the city didn't reach her office, noting that she'd easily reject it if it did.

Wellspring apologized to the Puyat family, the Makati government, and the public for its "insensitivity" despite only using wordplay "to draw attention" to the importance of sleep.

Gigil, the agency behind the campaign, also apologized, saying that it's "putting in place more stringent measures to ensure this does not happen again."

Sandro Muhlach files rape, sexual assault complaints vs. GMA Network's independent contractors 

On Aug. 1, GMA Network shared that it received a formal complaint from its Sparkle artist Sandro Muhlach against Richard Cruz and Jojo Nones, without specifying the issue.

But days before that, Sandro, Nones, and Cruz had already been making the rounds on social media after a local entertainment news website published a blind item claiming that two program executives harassed a newbie artist in a hotel room.

The alleged incident happened while an extravagant gathering took place on a hotel's premises, the report said. (GMA held its gala night last July 20 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport Pasay City.)

On Aug. 2, Muhlach and his father Niño went to the National Bureau of Investigation to formally file a sexual molestation complaint against Nones and Cruz. The actor returned to the NBI office four days later to submit additional documents before filing a rape case against the two suspects at the Department of Justice.

The issue became the subject of multiple Senate hearings, with Nones and Cruz in attendance. Nones was cited in contempt at one point and was placed under Senate custody for allegedly lying under oath.

The pair has denied the allegations and has been seeking to dismiss Muhlach's complaint, arguing that his evidence "is contrary to his allegations."

Copypasta post on Mon Confiado

Mon Confiado locked horns with Facebook user Ileiad on Aug. 9 after the latter published a local version of the "Flying Lotus copypasta," which presented the actor as a shoplifter and an unpleasant person in a grocery store.

At the time, Confiado confronted Ileiad, or Jeff Leanneroie Bonilla Jacinto in real life, in the comments section and in a private message, but didn't budge. Jacinto also asked whether Confiado was threatening him after saying he's easy to trace and wait for "legal actions."

Making good on his promise, Confiado on Aug. 12 shared a photo of him visiting the National Bureau of Investigation headquarters and signing a document in front of two officers. He didn't specify the case he had filed against Jacinto, whose Facebook page became unsearchable amid the issue.

But in December, Confiado told entertainment portal PEP.ph that he's no longer pursuing the case, saying Jacinto had already apologized to him anyway. Moreover, Jacinto's mother also messaged him several times, apologizing on behalf of her son. While the NBI has sent Jacinto a subpoena, Confiado opted not to attend hearings, especially since he's been busy with his movie projects.

It’s Showtime teacher's incorrect answer after 'bragging' about academic achievements

Teacher Tony Dizon ruffled feathers in September when he joined a trivia game segment of It's Showtime and shared his slew of academic achievements—only to give an incorrect answer afterward.

Dizon was asked who was the first female president of the Philippines. He answered Gloria Macapagal Arroyo instead of Corazon Aquino.

He became the subject of ridicule and criticism amid allegations of bragging and being a know-it-all. Before answering, he noted how he is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in educational leadership. He also noted that he's been teaching for eight years and that he's the sole Filipino who represented the Philippines at a research conference at Seoul National University in South Korea.

Following the infamous moment, Dizon explained that pressure got the best of him.

He apologized for his supposed arrogance but pointed out that his viral video has been edited (as it's only a stitch of excerpts from the segment). He asked the public, especially his critics, to watch the full episode, noting his responses were taken out of context.

SUV with '7' plate number on EDSA bus lane

In November, a sports utility vehicle with plate number 7, which is assigned to senators, allegedly passed through the exclusive bus lane and attempted to run over a female traffic enforcer.

The Department of Transportation's Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT) shared a video of the "disturbing incident" that took place one evening at Guadalupe Station's northbound lane. An enforcer, who later received assistance from a colleague, can be heard asking the driver to stop and back up.

But the driver didn't listen, and the DOTR-SAICT in a post accused a passenger in the back seat of raising their middle finger at them.

The next day, Sen. Raffy Tulfo conducted his own investigation and revealed that its passenger was "related" to a senator.

On Nov. 6, the driver, identified as Angelo Edpan, apologized for the traffic violation, citing stomachache as an excuse and insisting on ignorance toward the plate number's installation. The vehicle was registered under Orient Pacific Corporation, and its director, Omar Guinomla, refused to answer why they had such a plate.

On Nov. 7, Sen. Win Gatchalian, who was rumored to be the related senator, refused to confirm nor deny the rumor in an ambush interview. Instead, he told reporters that the matter should be left at the hands of the Land Transportation Office. In a separate statement on Facebook, he said he doesn't "condone the traffic violations committed by the management of Orient Pacific Corporation."

Neri Miranda's arrest

Entrepreneur Neri Miranda was arrested on Nov. 23 for alleged estafa and violation of the securities regulation code.

Neri's cases reportedly stemmed from her endorsement urging dozens of individuals to invest hundreds of thousands of pesos in skincare company Dermacare. Dozens of investors, however, weren't able to get back money. The company also isn't authorized to solicit investments, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Before her husband Chito Miranda, the frontman of the OPM band Parokya ni Edgar, confirmed the news through an Instagram post on the evening of Nov. 27, social media feeds had already been abuzz with rumors of her arrest.

Showbiz insider Ogie Diaz reported her arrest based on a source's tip on the Nov. 24 episode of his YouTube channel, noting they were shocked to learn the news about her being an alleged "top most wanted person." Diaz shared that Neri appeared to have an issue with a business partner, which led to a falling out and the filing of cases.

On the day of her arrest, Neri was scheduled to speak at a "Business Expo, Conference & Networking" event for small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups, and entrepreneurs. She was transferred to Pasay City Jail Female Dormitory.

She was released on Dec. 4 following Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 112's order after her camp filed a motion to quash her arrest warrant. The arraignment is set for Jan. 9.

Miranda has posted bail for her securities regulations code violations. With 14 counts set at P126,000 each, her bail amounted to P1.764 million.

Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings' cheating scandal

The late night of Dec. 3 kept social media users up as Jam Villanueva, the non-showbiz ex-girlfriend of rising actor Anthony Jennings, shared screenshots of him and Racal's conversations that ranged from flirty to intimate while they were still together.

The chats date back to June, a few weeks before Racal publicly admitted that her relationship with OPM legend Rico Blanco was over. Jennings, meanwhile, confirmed his breakup with Villanueva on Nov. 30 after being together for nearly seven years.

Before lunchtime on Dec. 6, Racal delivered an emotional apology in a 14-minute video.

Jennings, later in the day, apologized to Villanueva, Racal, and the public in a span of 22 seconds.

Denise Julia's alleged unprofessionalism, tardiness according to BJ Pascual, Killa Kush

Before 2024 ends, singer Denise Julia became a social media feed staple after celebrity photographer BJ Pascual, in a guesting on content creator Killa Kush's podcast, claimed that Denise and her team canceled their supposed shoot at the last minute and refused to pay cancellation fees.

It was Julia's team that insisted on doing the shoot before, according to Pascual. He noted they had to pay cancellation fees for the studio, production designer, and the stylist, though they were able to push through with the shoot with another celebrity.

Pascual said he "never heard" from Denise again after that.

Kush, or Acushla Obusan in real life, also took a swipe at Julia for being "four hours late" to a past guesting on her podcast.

On Dec. 24, Denise, who announced a social media "break" a day after the news broke out, said she's "pausing" her hiatus "to clear this up" on Dec. 25 via Instagram Stories without specifying the issue.

And she cleared things up indeed, armed with screenshots and video explanations.

She said her team indeed reached out to Pascual for the shoot, but didn't get a response until weeks later. This made her push back deadlines, including the release of her song, to accommodate Pascual's schedule.

When they finally started talking, Julia said her team offered a budget of P650,000 for the photoshoot and music video. Pascual's rate, she added, was P1.2 million, which was only confirmed three days before the agreed shooting day. Julia's team allegedly negotiated with P800,000, but Pascual's team supposedly asked for P1 million.

She said her manager was still trying to come up with ways to make it work but Pascual's team ultimately canceled the shoot, citing the differences in their production processes.

Nevertheless, Julia apologized to Pascual in a private message, noting much of their communication was indirect. She said Pascual should've communicated with her directly instead of turning the incident "into something public for others to tear apart."

Pascual acknowledged her apology, but maintained that he "deeply [values] professionalism, fairness, and the hard work of everyone in our industry." He also released his own screenshots, saying he gave Julia a large discount that's "well below industry standards."

Obusan, meanwhile, also messaged Julia, but the latter hinted at taking legal action against the former and Pascual due to the podcast episode, which has since been taken down on YouTube.