Unrelated Names, Unfair Judgment: Individuals Clarify Mistaken Identity in Nepotism Controversy

August 31, 2025

In the wake of recent online controversies involving well-known personalities perceived as beneficiaries of political or familial privilege—often referred to as “nepo babies”—a surprising group has stepped forward: individuals who share the same last names as those under fire, but are not related in any way.

As the internet continues to debate wealth, privilege, and accountability, several Filipinos have found themselves caught in the crossfire, mistakenly identified or judged based on name association alone.

“Please, Do Not Confuse Us with Them”

In separate public statements and social media posts, individuals who happen to have the same surnames as controversial figures have begun to clarify that they have no ties whatsoever to the people or families involved in current issues.

One young professional, who shares a last name with a popular influencer recently linked to a national infrastructure controversy, expressed frustration:

“I worked hard to build my career from scratch. It’s painful to be accused or mocked online just because I have a familiar last name. I am not part of any political clan. I rent an apartment, I commute daily—I’m just like everyone else trying to survive.”

Another shared a screenshot of hate messages they received, adding:

“Just because my surname is Co doesn’t mean I’m a contractor or a public figure. My family lives quietly in the province. Please, let’s stop assuming.”

The Dangers of Online Assumptions

With internet discussions often driven by speed rather than accuracy, mistaken identity has become an unfortunate side effect of viral scandals. While many netizens direct valid criticism at systems of power and privilege, some take shortcuts—targeting anyone with a familiar surname without verifying facts.

This behavior not only leads to misinformation, but also creates an environment where innocent people become collateral damage.

A Call for Mindful Critique

Experts in digital media ethics urge the public to be more discerning when reacting to online controversies. Dr. Leandro Alvero, a professor in media and communication studies, explains:

“Calling out systemic issues is important—but so is protecting individuals from baseless attacks. Just because someone’s name sounds familiar doesn’t mean they’re part of the problem. Guilt by association is not justice.”

Rebuilding Online Responsibility

The affected individuals hope that by speaking out, they can raise awareness about how digital behavior can hurt real people.

Some have even started using hashtags like #NotThatCo, #MyNameIsNotMyPrivilege, and #CheckBeforeYouJudge to educate the public and push for more responsible discourse.

They are also encouraging others in similar situations to speak up, not to fan the flames, but to restore fairness in the conversation.

Final Thoughts

In a time when social media allows anyone to voice opinions instantly, it becomes even more critical to pause, fact-check, and think before reacting. Addressing privilege and inequality is a worthy goal—but doing so should not come at the expense of truth or innocent lives.

As more individuals stand up to correct public misperceptions, one message rings clear: your last name doesn’t define your actions—and neither should it be the reason for your condemnation.

Related Articles for Further Reading

Understanding “Nepo Babies” and Public Perception in the Philippines
https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/2025/07/30/nepo-baby-philippines
Digital Ethics in the Age of Cancel Culture
https://www.rappler.com/tech/features/ethics-online-cancel-culture
When Surnames Hurt: The Psychology Behind Name-Based Bias
https://www.psychologytoday.com/features/name-bias-study
Fact-Checking Before Reacting: A Digital Survival Skill
https://interaksyon.philstar.com/online-responsibility