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The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Oriental has officially declared travel vlogger Ferdinand Dela Merced, more popularly known as the “Philippine Looper,” persona non grata following his controversial remarks on social media that drew widespread criticism amid the province’s preparations for Super Typhoon Tino.
During the provincial board’s regular session on November 10, Vice Governor Cezanne Fritz Diaz approved the motion of 2nd District Board Member Erwin Michael Macias to impose the sanction, citing Dela Merced’s comments as “disrespectful and damaging” to the image of Negros Oriental and its people.
“It has reached a point where his actions have already affected the image of not only the province but the people of Negros Oriental,” Macias said. “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, 2025, and was even provided free accommodation by the provincial government at the Negros Oriental Convention Center.
Despite this, the vlogger reportedly posted a Facebook rant on November 3, accusing local authorities of neglect while they were preoccupied with disaster response efforts ahead of the typhoon’s landfall.
“Despite the hospitality extended, Mr. Dela Merced posted statements on social media alleging neglect by the provincial authorities and the tourism office,” Macias explained. “Without acknowledging that during this period, officials and staff of Negros Oriental were fully engaged in urgent disaster response and preparation efforts due to the imminent threat and landfall of Typhoon Tino.”
Dela Merced further stirred controversy when he downplayed the severity of the 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?’”
The resolution passed unanimously, with board members stressing that the declaration serves to uphold the dignity and reputation of Negros Oriental.
Following the declaration, Dela Merced brushed off the persona non grata tag in a Facebook post, saying he was unbothered by the province’s decision.
“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 local 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 also clarified that he did not expect special treatment and only sought a certificate of appearance from the Dumaguete local government, which he said was part of his documentation for a Guinness World Record attempt for visiting all Philippine provinces.
Despite issuing a public apology, many residents and officials criticized his remarks as insensitive and ill-timed, given that the province was facing life-threatening conditions during the typhoon.
As of this writing, Dela Merced has continued his nationwide walking journey and was last spotted in Cebu province, where he reportedly received a warmer welcome from locals.
