Pampanga’s Pinedas face backlash after wearing luxury outfits during flood inspection

Viral photos trigger apology from governor and fuel fresh anger over recurring floods.

Gov. Lilia Pineda and her son, Vice Gov. Dennis Pineda, have drawn renewed criticism after photos and videos showing them in apparent designer clothing while inspecting flood-hit areas in Pampanga went viral online.

The images sparked widespread social media debate, with several public figures weighing in on the political family’s choice of attire as they responded to residents affected by the southwest monsoon. The controversy unfolded as heavy monsoon rains caused severe flooding across Pampanga and Central Luzon.

Social media users identified the luxury brands as Prada, Burberry, and Balmain, estimating the outfits to be worth hundreds of thousands of pesos.

Host Gelli Victor questioned the explanation that the high-end clothing was simply what the officials grabbed before heading out.

“Kung ano lang madampot that means lahat kasi designer na. Hindi gano’n kamahal, kasi hindi nila pera ang pinangbili! Pera ng bayan!!!” Victor wrote in the comments section.

Journalist Natashya Gutierrez praised the reporter who pressed Pineda during a live interview about the attire.

“Good on the journalist for continuing to push back with respect,” Gutierrez noted.

Actress Angelica Panganiban also drew attention with a brief, humorous reaction to the viral video, writing: “Ako nga walang ganyang windshield.”

The backlash eventually prompted Gov. Pineda to apologize during an interview with One PH, acknowledging that the clothing was inappropriate for the situation.

“Kung makita man nila ‘yon. Nagkamali kami sa ganoong attire namin, sorry,” Pineda said. “Kasi talagang kapag gumising kami sa isang umaga, kung ano lang ang madampot mo, ‘yon lang ang isusuot mo kasi malakas ang ulan, matubig. Kailangan meron kang kapote. Actually, kapote lang ‘yon.”

Pineda added that she respected the public’s feedback and viewed the incident as a reminder to be more mindful.

“Siyempre ‘yong mga kababayan natin ngayon, talaga naman may mga comment sila na iginagalang namin… Siguro sa akin, parang wake-up call din,” she said. “Pero hindi ako ‘yong maluhong tao kasi. ‘Yon lang sigurong araw na ‘yon. Pero kung titingnan mo lang ako, ‘yong bihis ko, hindi ako ganoon.”

While noting that her family has the financial means to buy expensive items, Pineda maintained that wearing luxury brands is not her habit and urged the public to focus on relief efforts.

“Siguro dahil meron naman kaming konting pera, nagseserbisyo ka… Pero sa pagkakataong ito, ang dapat isipin natin ngayon kung papaano ka mag-survive? Paano malunasan ang problema? Kung papaano ka mag-appeal sa national government para magkaroon ng solusyon na long-term ang problema ng Pampanga.”

Despite the apology, online debate continues as several Pampanga municipalities remain submerged. The incident has also reignited public frustration over Central Luzon’s recurring flood control issues and the government’s long-term response.

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