Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli Call Out Corruption: A Public Stand That Stirred Praise and Scrutiny

In the Philippines, celebrities are often seen as entertainers, influencers, or even philanthropists—but rarely as outspoken critics of politics and governance. That perception shifted in late August 2025, when superstar singer Sarah Geronimo and her husband, actor-host Matteo Guidicelli, made headlines for remarks that many interpreted as bold criticisms of government corruption. What began as a lighthearted quip at a lifestyle event turned into a viral moment, sparking discussions about transparency, accountability, and the often-fraught intersection of entertainment and politics.

This article takes a closer look at what Sarah and Matteo said, the public reactions that followed, and the controversies that continue to surround their stance.

Sarah’s Subtle Yet Sharp Remark

Sarah Geronimo, often called the “Popstar Royalty” of the Philippines, is known for her powerful voice, chart-topping hits, and carefully maintained image as a wholesome, apolitical figure. Unlike other celebrities who occasionally weigh in on national issues, Sarah has largely remained silent on political matters.

That is why her offhand comment during a skincare talk at BeautyCon 2025, held on August 29, surprised many. In the middle of a casual discussion about self-care and wellness, Sarah playfully mentioned flooding problems in certain areas of the country. With a quick wit, she joked in Filipino: “Pero yung kalsada dun, hindi na-absorb yung tubig kasi tinipid.”

Translated loosely: “But the roads there can’t absorb the water because corners were cut.”

The crowd laughed, but the meaning was clear. Sarah was not just talking about infrastructure design—she was hinting at corruption and substandard construction, a problem that has plagued the Philippines for decades.

On social media, the clip went viral almost immediately. Many netizens applauded Sarah for using her platform to highlight a social concern in such a subtle, relatable way. For fans who had always seen her as “too safe” to comment on national issues, the moment was refreshing. “Finally, Sarah is saying what we’ve all been thinking,” one Twitter user wrote. Another noted: “If even Sarah Geronimo is making jokes about corruption, that means people are really fed up.”

Matteo Guidicelli’s Direct Call-Out

While Sarah’s remark was playful, Matteo Guidicelli took a much more forceful approach. Shortly after Sarah’s clip began circulating, Matteo shared a viral video on X (formerly Twitter). The video allegedly showed the daughter of a contractor—whose company had received lucrative flood-control project deals—spending nearly ₱759,000 on a luxury dinner for two at a five-star hotel.

Matteo captioned the repost: “Not funny at all.”

From there, he doubled down. On his own social media accounts, Matteo posted several follow-up statements, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance. “These are the keys to real change,” he wrote, echoing rhetoric more often heard from reformist politicians than from actors.

Many Filipinos responded positively, praising Matteo for courageously addressing the issue head-on. Some lauded the couple as a “powerful duo” who were finally using their influence to bring attention to the plight of ordinary citizens affected by corruption.

However, not everyone was convinced. Critics quickly resurfaced Matteo’s past reputation as a staunch supporter of former President Rodrigo Duterte. During Duterte’s term, critics claimed that several billion-peso flood-control contracts were awarded under questionable circumstances. Skeptics accused Matteo of hypocrisy, pointing out that his newfound advocacy for accountability seemed inconsistent with his earlier political affiliations.

One netizen summarized the sentiment bluntly: “Where was this energy when your favorite president was handing out those contracts?”

The Blue Ribbon Connection

Adding fuel to the fire, the controversy coincided with a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing held on September 1, 2025. During the session, Sarah Discaya (Sarah Geronimo’s legal married name) admitted that two construction firms linked to her and her husband, Curlee Discaya, had been awarded contracts from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as far back as 2016. That was the same year Duterte assumed office.

Reports revealed that these companies were among the Top 15 contractors involved in multi-billion peso flood-control projects. The projects, intended to protect communities from devastating floods, have faced growing scrutiny for delays, alleged overpricing, and questions about their long-term effectiveness.

For critics, this revelation complicated the narrative. While Sarah and Matteo’s comments were seen as brave, the fact that their family businesses had directly benefited from government contracts raised eyebrows. Some accused the couple of speaking out only now that the projects were under national investigation. Others wondered if their statements were a way to distance themselves from mounting controversies.

Netizen Reactions: Praise, Skepticism, and Debate

Public opinion was sharply divided.

Supporters argued that it was unfair to demand perfection or political purity before anyone could criticize corruption. “What matters is that they are speaking out now,” one fan insisted. “Their influence reaches millions. If their voices help raise awareness, that’s a good thing.”

Critics, on the other hand, saw their statements as opportunistic. “They benefited from the system for years,” one comment read. “Now that the contracts are being investigated, they suddenly discover integrity?”

Some took a more nuanced view, recognizing both the contradictions and the potential impact of the couple’s actions. “Yes, there is irony,” a columnist observed, “but there is also power in having mainstream celebrities break the culture of silence. If Sarah and Matteo can spark conversations about corruption—even with their own baggage—then maybe that’s worth something.”

The Broader Implications

The controversy surrounding Sarah and Matteo reflects a larger pattern in Philippine society, where entertainers and public figures often wield more influence than career politicians. In a country where celebrity endorsements can sway elections, even a single remark from a beloved singer or actor can ignite national debates.

It also highlights the challenge of addressing corruption in a system where almost everyone is entangled in some way—whether through business, family ties, or political alliances. As one political analyst noted: “In the Philippines, few can throw stones without cracking their own glass house. The question is whether society is willing to accept imperfect messengers in pursuit of a greater cause.”

Conclusion: A Moment That Resonates

For Sarah Geronimo, a casual quip about shoddy roads revealed a new, bolder side of her public persona. For Matteo Guidicelli, a series of direct posts made him a target of both praise and suspicion. Together, their actions sparked conversations that went far beyond the world of music, film, and entertainment.

The story is far from over. As investigations into flood-control contracts continue, and as the public weighs the sincerity of celebrity activism, Sarah and Matteo will likely remain under the spotlight. Whether they will double down on their stance or retreat into silence remains to be seen.

What is clear, however, is that the couple has already altered public perception. In a nation long accustomed to political scandals and celebrity escapism, two of its brightest stars dared—at least for a moment—to shine a light on corruption. And in doing so, they reminded the public that even the most unlikely voices can spark a national reckoning.