Christophe Bariou calls out alleged corruption in Siargao, reveals extortion attempts against him, Nadine Lustre
Siargao-based entrepreneur Christophe Bariou alleged that he and his girlfriend, actress Nadine Lustre, faced harassment and attempts at extortion in relation to the Union-Malinao bridge project, which they opposed.
In a statement posted to Instagram, Bariou detailed his account of the alleged corruption and "political bullying" he experienced.
The entrepreneur said that the bridge project was stopped by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources after a collective movement filed a report revealing falsified approval documents and the absence of the legally required Environmental Impact Assessment.
Funding for the bridge was reportedly set at P144 million. It ballooned to P500 million after Typhoon Odette devestated the country in December 2021, according to Bariou.
Before the 2025 elections, Bariou said there were attempts to extort him and Lustre.
"Individuals claiming to represent certain politicians approached Nadine and me, offering to 'resolve' the bridge issue if we provided P50 million in cash," he wrote.
The individuals also tried to get the couple's support for the local elections after Bariou and Lustre shut them down.
"Nadine's answer was firm: 'We don't make deals with corruption... ever.'"
Apart from this, Bariou's businesses became the subject of harassment. He said that there were countless random inspections and his business permit renewal was "unlawfully" put on hold.
"Even unauthorized soil testing, conducted in search of any possible violation, despite years of documented DENR clearances, occurred on our land by unnamed government workers who refused to identify themselves with a badge, as required by law," he continued.
Bariou filed a complaint with the Anti-Red Tape Authority following the incident, which resulted in his business permit getting released.
"When ARTA investigated further and sent 'hidden agents' on-site, these investigators from Manila were reportedly shocked by the level of violations, lawlessness, and absence of due process rampant here," he said, adding that other establishments were also targeted and intimidated.
An administrative and ciminal investigation is underway.
Bariou has also filed a case before the Supreme Court concerning the alleged illegal collection of tourism and environmental fees, which he said may have been "undeclared, pocketed, or misused."
This came after an attempt to impose collections at Secret Beach, which he said forms part of his titled property and has a public easement.
Additionally, the entrepreneur has filed a formal complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman in Davao for criminal and administrative charges. He did not give further details.
Ending his statement, Bariou called on Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon to investigate infrastructure projects in Siargao Island.
"Siargaonons deserve justice. No Filipino, especially those most vulnerable, should live in fear of speaking out or demanding accountability from those they elect and trust to serve them," he said.
He also urged those who have been "bullied" by any politcal side to seek legal action.
Bariou owns the luxury resort Maison Bukana in Siargao and started a liquor brand, Maison Bukana Wines, with Lustre in 2023.
Lustre is among many celebrities who called out the alleged corruption in flood control projects and the lavish lifestyles of government officials' children.
