The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Oriental has officially declared travel vlogger Ferdinand Dela Merced, more popularly known online as “Philippine Looper,” persona non grata following his controversial social media comments that local officials described as “disrespectful and damaging.”
During the provincial board’s regular session on November 10, Vice Governor Cezanne Fritz Diaz approved the motion filed by 2nd District Board Member Erwin Michael Macias to impose the sanction, citing Dela Merced’s “offensive and ungrateful” remarks against the local government amid preparations for Super Typhoon Tino.
“It has reached a point where his actions have already affected the image of not only the province but the people of Negros Oriental,” said Macias.
“With that, your Honor, being laid down as basis, I would like to file a resolution declaring Mr. Ferdinand Dela Merced as persona non grata in the province of Negros Oriental.”
According to Macias, Dela Merced arrived in Dumaguete City on November 1, while local authorities were busy conducting disaster response operations. Despite this, the provincial government extended courtesy by providing him free accommodation at the Negros Oriental Convention Center.
However, on November 3, Dela Merced went on Facebook to allege neglect by the provincial government and tourism office. In his post, he downplayed the threat of the incoming typhoon, writing:
“’Yong bagyo, may bagyo naman talaga tayo, e. Wala namang problema sa bagyo natin kasi ’yong bagyo, taon-taon naman talaga. Ang hirap bang intindihin na magpapa-tap lang ako?”
He also criticized what he described as the lack of attention from local officials, saying, “Kalamidad lang ’yan. Taon-taon nating nae-experience ’yan pero ’yung bumisita sa inyo, tatratuhin n’yo ng ganito sa LGU, eh ’wag naman.”
The board unanimously approved the motion, stressing that the declaration was necessary to protect the dignity and reputation of the province.
Following the declaration, Dela Merced responded in another Facebook post, brushing off the decision and tagging the Office of the President.
“No worries, kesa naman tumagal ako sa lugar n’yo na sabihan ako ng ‘eto na ang Philippine Blooper na palamunin ng bansa,’” he wrote, addressing unnamed officials.
“At sa tourism officer na nag-high pitch… Ganyan kayo sumalubong sa mag-courtesy call lang bilang pagbibigay-galang sa namumuno sa probinsya n’yo?”
Dela Merced, who has over one million followers on Facebook, is currently attempting to set a Guinness World Record by walking from Batanes to Jolo, a journey he began in January 2025.
Amid growing backlash online, the vlogger posted a video titled “Public Apology”, appealing for understanding and saying he was hurt by the criticisms directed at him.
“Ikaw ba naman sabihan na, ‘Andyan na si Philippine Blooper, palamunin ng bayan,’” he said. “Sino’ng hindi sasakit ang loob doon?”
Dela Merced explained that his cross-country walk was not only for the record but also a personal mission to find his long-lost father in Nueva Ecija.
As of this writing, Dela Merced has continued his journey and was last reported to be in Cebu province, where he reportedly received a warmer reception from residents.
