THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Oriental has declared vlogger Ferdinand Dela Merced, known as the “Philippine Looper,” persona non grata following his controversial social media remarks during Typhoon Tino.
The resolution was approved on November 10 during the provincial board’s regular session. It cited Dela Merced’s online comments as disrespectful to the local government and residents, causing public indignation and tarnishing the province’s image.
Dela Merced, who is attempting to visit all provinces in the Philippines by foot, had criticized what he described as a lack of hospitality from some local officials during his visit to Negros Oriental on November 1.
“Kalamidad lang ‘yan taon-taon nating na experience yan pero ‘yung bumisita sa inyo tatratuhin n’yo nang ganito sa LGU. E wag naman,” he reportedly said.
At the time, local government units were focused on typhoon response operations.
Macias noted that Dela Merced had even been provided free accommodation at the Provincial Convention Center through the provincial government.
In his defense, Dela Merced said he never sought a grand reception. He said he only wanted a certificate of appearance as proof of his visit for submission to the Guinness Book of World Records. He claimed some LGU personnel treated him coldly during a courtesy call.
On social media, he wrote: “No worries, kesa naman tumagal ako sa lugar nila at sabihan ako ng ‘eto na ang Philippine Blooper na palamunin ng bansa.’ … Tourism: ‘Sino ka, ano ka, ano kailangan mo dito?’ Me: (Ako si…) Tourism: ‘Alam ko! At 10 a.m. ang pasok namin at gabi kami umuuwi sa trabaho.’ Ganyan kayo sumalubong sa mag-courtesy call lang bilang pagbibigay-galang sa namumuno sa probinsya n’yo? Oo, bagyo apektado kayo — ako hindi apektado eh, andyan din ako. Nag-public apology na ako sa inyo. Hindi kayang tanggapin? Ako na ang unang nasaktan, ako pa ang nag-public apology.”
