Christophe Bariou reveals alleged P50M extortion try on him, Nadine Lustre

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-French businessman Christophe Bariou revealed that he and his girlfriend, actress Nadine Lustre, were allegedly subjected to a P50-million extortion attempt by unnamed representatives of politicians in Siargao.

Bariou bared the corruption and harrassment allegations he, Nadine, and his businesses faced while living in the island province known for its surfing activities.

The couple are residents of the island, with Bariou counting 11 years of living in Siargao.

“Before the elections, individuals claiming to represent certain politicians approached Nadine and me, offering to ‘resolve’ the bridge issue if we provided P50 million in cash,” Bariou wrote on his lengthy Instagram post on October 11.

Bariou and Nadine openly opposed the construction of the Union-Malinao bridge citing environmental reasons.

The local government unit classified the area as a “highest priority for conservation” zone in General Luna because of protective mangroves, seagrass, and corals.

The project was stopped by the national head office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) following the report by Malinao residents and concerned citizens. The report revealed that the project had falsified approval documents, the absence of legally required Environmental Impact Assessment, and the ignored recommendations from the local DENR.

Bariou said that he also shared with the DENR an independent study about the proposed bridge, which would have caused irreparable ecological damage and threatens the livelihood of Brgy. Union’s fisherfolk.

“The project was stopped because it was illegal, environmentally destructive, and after being originally budgeted at around P140 million, it suddenly ballooned to over P500 million just weeks after Typhoon Odette and months before the elections,” Bariou wrote.

Super Typhoon “Odette” struck central Philippines islands, including Siargao, in December 2021.

Bariou said that “projects like these” are happening all over Siargao but receive “little to no attention” because "those affected often lack resources, legal protection, or the ability to speak up without fear."

He said that when the alleged extortion attempt failed, the unnamed other party proposed for him and Nadine to join them and support their local election bid in 2022 and “maybe we can sit down and talk about the bridge.”

Bariou said Nadine stayed firm in their response: “We don’t make deals with corruption… ever.”

Waves of harassment

Bariou said they faced a series of harassment after their objection and firm refusal.

His businesses, which includes resorts, were subjected to “countless and random inspections” that he said failed to uncover anything questionable.

There were also “unauthorized soil testing” conducted by unnamed government workers who he said “refused to identify themselves” with a badge as mandated by law.

His staff were even “bullied and shouted at” for filming their actions.

His business permit renewal was even “unlawfully put on hold.”

Bariou said that ARTA ruled in his favor and asked his business permit released after he filed an anti-red-tape complaint with the agency. He bared that an administrative and criminal investigation is ongoing, adding that there are other establishments that were intimidated and targeted during those times.

Bariou said that he “personally” saw a photograph of what appeared to be a “red tag list,” which he said seemed to identify establishments as “politically opposed” and “deserving retaliation.”

Ongoing cases

Apart from this, Bariou said he also filed a case before the Supreme Court months ago in relation to the alleged illegal collection of tourism and so-called “environmental fees.”

Bariou said that it surfaced after an attempt at imposition of so-called fees on Secret Beach in Malinao, which forms part of his titled property. The property includes a public easement that is lawfully open for public access.

Bariou said a tent was set up on Secret Beach without prior consultation. He cited that under the law, no fundraising or fee collection may be conducted without the prior authorization of the adjacent landowners, which he said was them.

The Filipino-French businessman said the cases are now ongoing and he is refraining from disclosing further details about them.

He also filed a formal complaint for criminal and administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman in Davao, where it was received. He claims he has solid evidence, and that he will, likewise, refrain from divulging information since the case at the Ombudsman is ongoing.

For the silent majority

Bariou said Siargaonons deserve justice, adding that no Filipino should live in fear of speaking out or demanding accountability from those they elect and trust to serve them.

He also stressed that no parents should be threatened about their children’s expulsion from school if they do not vote for a particular candidate or have their livelihoods destroyed if they refuse to participat in corruption.

Bariou said he decided to speak up for the silent majority and because it has been difficult for him and Nadine.

“The time for accountability has come. I am offering my cooperation to any credible media outlet for or government body willing to investiage what has long been whispered and now must be exposed,” Bariou wrote.

He called on Department of Public Works and Highways secretary Vince Dizon and other national agencies investigating the misuse of public funds to include Siargao in their list of priorities for review and reform.

“As one of the country’s windows to the world, Siargao should also be an example and inspiration,” Bariou said.

“Accountability is needed from all sides, regardless of political team or color,” he added.

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