Baterbonia family criticized anew over ₱350 keychains of late Ateneo basketball player

Rene Baterbonia’s aunt promoted keychains bearing the late student-athlete’s name, drawing fresh criticism online over the price and merchandise.

The family of late Ateneo de Davao student-athlete Rene Baterbonia is again facing criticism online after his aunt, Leanne Laroda Baterbonia, in another move that left many people cringing, promoted keychains bearing Rene’s name for ₱350 each.

The merchandise quickly drew reactions from netizens, with many questioning the price and the decision to sell Rene-related items while his family continues to receive public attention following his death.

Some users compared the ₱350 keychain with cheaper customized keychains available online, while others mocked the product through comments questioning whether it was waterproof or suggesting buyers spend the money on food instead.

The criticism also revived accusations that the family is continuing to capitalize on Rene’s name, with one commenter joking that the fifth stage of grief is “entrepreneurship.”

“You can’t spell ‘entrepreneurship’ without Rene,” a commenter said.

The reactions come after previous merchandise bearing Rene’s image, including refrigerator magnets and family portraits, also made the rounds online amid criticism of whether the fundraising efforts had gone too far.

Some commenters have stressed that questioning the merchandise does not necessarily mean opposing efforts to seek justice for Rene, while others have argued that his name should no longer be used for commercial purposes.

The ₱350 price has become a particular focus of the latest backlash, although the actual cost of producing a customized keychain can vary depending on the material, printing method, quantity, and other expenses.

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