Actress Gabbi Garcia took to Instagram on August 29 to post a video compiling moments from her recent international travels. The footage, accompanied by text stating, "Rich in life ’cause I can travel the world and live my best days with my own hard-earned money," was interpreted by many as a subtle response to the rising online criticism directed at content creators and relatives of government officials flaunting extravagant lifestyles amid investigations into controversial flood control projects.

In her caption, Garcia reaffirmed her stance, writing, "Yes to hard-earned money and self-made queens!" This garnered widespread praise from fellow celebrities and followers. Broadcast journalist Karen Davila commented with a fire emoji, "Exactly. Hard earned money." Actress Max Collins echoed the sentiment with, "Amen!" Kapuso actor Gil Cuerva added, "This is the only acceptable flex! hard earned money." Even Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel expressed support, saying, "Let’s go sis!"

Several Instagram users highlighted the distinction, noting, "Hindi galing sa kaban ng bayan!" (Not from public funds). Another remarked, "YAAAS. You can post and flaunt as long as it’s not coming from taxpayers’ money!"

Garcia’s travel reel has attracted significant engagement, amassing over 1 million views, 92,100 likes, 3,200 reposts, nearly 1,300 comments, and 1,878 shares to date.

The post comes during a period of heightened scrutiny on social media personalities, especially those linked to government officials implicated in allegedly corrupt flood control projects. Many criticize the ostentatious displays of wealth by these individuals, which are widely presumed to be financed through illicit means.

Numerous public figures have voiced concerns over such extravagance, urging influencers and those in the public eye to exercise greater responsibility and sensitivity amid ongoing calls for transparency and accountability.

TV host Bianca Gonzalez Intal expressed frustration about the social climate, stating on X (formerly Twitter), "My feed filled with posts on the lavish lifestyle of kids of corrupt officials... and here we are, those without generational wealth or stolen riches, who work hard every day, sometimes feeling ashamed to share travels or purchases for fear of seeming boastful. How is this fair?"

Karen Davila also remarked, "KURAKOT SHAMING. It’s high time. In other countries, those who steal from the government are jailed or driven to despair. In the Philippines, they are envied. Enough is enough."

This discourse continues to resonate strongly in a climate demanding ethical conduct and fiscal responsibility from public figures and their associates.