Pageant Universe has sparked strong public reactions after unveiling a striking corruption-inspired costume that symbolically portrays the country’s longstanding battle with graft. The concept comes at a time when outrage is intensifying over the multibillion-peso flood control controversy allegedly involving government officials, senators, congressmen, private contractors, and agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
In its official post, Pageant Universe explained the meaning behind the bold creation: “This may look funny to some, but the costume powerfully symbolizes corruption in the Philippines—crocodile heads for greedy officials, chains and hands for people bound by stolen wealth, and money bags for ill-gotten funds, reminding us of greed’s grip and the urgent call for justice.”
The imagery is far from subtle. Crocodiles, often used in Filipino slang to describe corrupt politicians, represent the insatiable hunger for wealth among those entrusted with public funds. The chains symbolize how ordinary citizens are trapped by systemic corruption, unable to break free as vital resources are siphoned away. The money bags emphasize how taxpayers’ contributions, meant for crucial projects like flood control, are instead diverted to enrich a few.
The timing of the costume’s reveal has heightened its relevance. The flood control scandal, now under investigation, has left Filipinos furious as billions of pesos intended for life-saving infrastructure projects may have been misused. For many citizens, the lack of effective drainage systems and unfinished projects has meant devastating floods during typhoons and heavy rains, leading to displacement, illness, and even death from waterborne diseases such as leptospirosis.
Public outrage continues to swell, as people question how corrupt practices persist while communities remain submerged in floods year after year. Many have expressed on social media that the costume reflects a painful truth: while corrupt politicians grow richer, ordinary Filipinos bear the brunt of negligence and greed.
Pageant Universe’s costume, though rooted in pageantry and art, has become more than just a creative display. It has emerged as a symbol of protest and a reminder of the urgent need for accountability. By transforming corruption into a visual spectacle, it has forced many to confront the reality that the nation’s progress will remain chained until justice is served and public funds are safeguarded.