The Nepo Baby and Disney Princess of the Philippines and Their Accountability
by: Airwind Bautista

Tracing the History and Definition of “Nepo Baby”

The term “Nepo Baby” is short for nepotism baby. It became popular in the 2020s, particularly in Hollywood, to describe children of famous or influential parents who easily gained entry into industries like film, music, politics, and fashion due to family connections rather than pure merit. While the phenomenon has existed for decades, social media gave it a name and fueled discussions about privilege, fairness, and accountability.

Nepo Baby in Hollywood vs. the Philippines

• Hollywood Context:
  In the U.S., names like Lily-Rose Depp, Jaden Smith, or Dakota Johnson are often cited as examples. They benefited from access, opportunities, and networks unavailable to outsiders. Hollywood critics argue that while some Nepo Babies have talent, their privileged entry sidelines more deserving yet less-connected individuals.

• Philippine Context:
  In the Philippines, nepotism is not limited to entertainment but extends to politics, business, and showbiz. The children of political dynasties or celebrity parents often enjoy instant fame or career opportunities. Unlike in Hollywood where Nepo Babies are mostly critiqued in media and fan circles, in the Philippines the system of utang na loob (debt of gratitude) and celebrity culture often protects them—until their statements or actions provoke public backlash.

The Disney Princess Image and Nepo Baby Label in the Philippines

Some local celebrities and public figures are mockingly called “Disney Princess” or “Nepo Baby” because of their privileged lifestyles, fairy-tale treatment in media, and the perception that they live in a bubble detached from the realities of ordinary Filipinos. They are called out not necessarily because they are children of the powerful, but because of:

• Tone-deaf comments on poverty and social issues

• Lifestyle flaunting while many Filipinos struggle daily

• Statements minimizing or misunderstanding accountability, such as taxes

The Tax Controversy and Uncalled-for Response

A particular Nepo Baby recently drew criticism for a dismissive remark about taxes, suggesting that complaints about taxes were unnecessary or exaggerated. This response was seen as tone-deaf because:

• Ordinary Filipinos already bear the brunt of heavy taxation through value-added tax (VAT) and excise duties on fuel, electricity, and basic goods.

• Unlike elites, many workers cannot afford tax avoidance schemes or legal loopholes.

• Taxes are felt at every level: the moment you buy rice, gasoline, or even medicine, taxes are already embedded.

Why Taxes Should Be for the Community, Not Nepo Babies’ Pockets

Taxes are meant to:

• Fund public services like education, healthcare, transportation, and disaster response

• Improve infrastructure and community welfare

• Provide safety nets for the most vulnerable

When elites or “Nepo Babies” are seen as benefiting disproportionately from government resources, contracts, or political influence, public trust erodes. Taxes should not be siphoned into luxuries or the lifestyles of the privileged few but must be directed toward uplifting the community.

Conclusion

The conversation around Nepo Babies and Disney Princesses in the Philippines highlights not just celebrity privilege but broader issues of inequality, accountability, and governance. While privilege in itself is not a sin, the lack of awareness and responsibility in how one uses that privilege—especially in matters like taxes—reveals a disconnect that citizens are no longer willing to overlook. The call is simple: privilege must come with accountability, and taxes must serve the people, not the powerful.