MANILA, Philippines – Actress Angel Locsin has spoken out in defense of her stepson Joaquin Arce after online critics branded him a “nepo baby” during his run as one of the Ultimate 8 contenders on Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0.
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Angel Locsin and YouTube/Pinoy Big Brother |
Breaking her rare silence on social media, Locsin addressed the backlash directly on X and expressed shock over comments questioning Joaquin’s place in the competition.
“Bihira lang akong mag social media ha. Pero nagulat ako sa comments ng ilang tao dito. Ano namang kasalanan ni Joaquin at naging asawa ko ang dad niya para ma-brand sya as nepo baby? Para namang hindi ako nag dyip o bus papuntang tapings ko dati. Kalevel ko pala si Discaya? Lol,” she wrote.
She stressed that her support comes from hard-earned money and not privilege, saying, “Pero 'yung pera ko hindi galing sa nakaw. Yung 12k na boto ko kay Joaquin sa buong journey nya, baka dagdagan ko maasar ko lang 'yung ibang makagawa ng issue.”
Bihira lang akong mag social media ha. Pero nagulat ako sa comments ng ilang tao dito. Ano namang kasalanan ni Joaquin at naging asawa ko ang dad nya para ma-brand sya as nepo baby? Para namang hindi ako nag dyip o bus papuntang tapings ko dati. Kalevel ko pala si Discaya? Lol.…
— Angel Locsin (@143redangel) February 25, 2026
Locsin also emphasized Joaquin’s independence, adding, “My son could have asked me for a project, but ang hiniling niya is mag audition sa PBB. Wag bitter. Nakakapanget 'yan.”
Inside the house, Joaquin faced “The Ultimate Tapatan,” where ex-housemates questioned whether family influence or financial backing helped him advance.
He replied that he asked his family not to spend on votes and said every opportunity must be earned, stressing that even working with his stepmother should come only when he proves himself as an actor.
Joaquin is the son of film producer Neil Arce, whom Locsin married in 2021, and the actress has consistently supported his journey while reminding critics that merit, not lineage, should define success.
As the show heads into its final week, Locsin, known for her role in Darna, stands firm that her stepson’s place in the spotlight must be earned through perseverance and public trust.
— The Summit Express