Angel Locsin Clarifies "Nepo Baby" Allegations Against Stepson Joaquin Arce

Despite being inactive on social media, actress Angel Locsin stayed true to her role as a supportive stepmother to Joaquin Arce, standing by him in his pursuit of becoming an actor—and even defending him from "nepo baby" allegations after the internet alleged his Pinoy Big Brother: Collab 2.0 votes came from privilege.

ICYDK, Joaquin is the son of Director Neil Arce, Angel's husband, and has films such as Camp Sawi and Sid & Aya: Not a Love Story.

"Bihira lang akong mag social media ha. Pero nagulat ako sa comments ng ilang tao dito," Angel opened in her post on X, breaking her social media hiatus.

"Ano namang kasalanan ni Joaquin at naging asawa ko ang dad [niya] para ma-brand [siya] as nepo baby? Para namang hindi ako nag dyip o bus papuntang tapings ko dati. Kalevel ko pala si Discaya? Lol," the actress added.

Angel addressed the controversy surrounding Joaquin's stint in Pinoy Big Brother (PBB), where some netizens alleged that his continued stay in the show was due to family connections and industry status. She firmly denied the claims.

"Yung pera ko hindi galing sa nakaw. Yung 12k na boto ko kay Joaquin sa buong journey [niya], baka dagdagan ko ma-asar ko lang yung ibang makagawa ng issue. My son could have asked me for a project, but ang hiniling [niya] is mag audition sa PBB," Angel clarified.

"Wag bitter. Nakakapanget yan," she remarked.

Earlier, during one of Joaquin's stints on PBB for "The Ultimate Tapatan" challenge, he faced questions from former housemates, including the persistent nepo baby allegations.

When asked whether he considers himself a nepo baby who comes from an influential showbiz family—and whether his votes were simply fueled by money—Joaquin addressed the issue head-on: "Sinabi ko sa pamilya before coming here not to spend, and I believe that whatever I get, I should deserve. Everything I want to achieve in this industry as an actor, because it's my dream to be an actor, gusto ko na deserve ko siya."

"I think if I were to win and if I were to want to deserve a spot here, I think I have to deserve it, dapat 'yung taumbayan ang pipili sa akin," he added, emphasizing that he has often been asked whether he wants to work with his stepmother, Angel. Joaquin said that if that opportunity comes, it should not be because of connections, but because he has truly earned it.

When it comes to Joaquin, Angel has never hesitated to break her social media silence to show her support. Even at the beginning of his stint in PBB, she publicly praised her stepson for his maturity especially on how he handled conflicts and maintained peace with fellow housemates.

Angel also appealed to viewers to extend more kindness and understanding toward Joaquin, sharing that he is deaf in his right ear.

"I don't usually comment, but seeing Joaquin grow from a little boy into someone who helps, listens, and keeps the peace at home makes me proud," Angel shared. "If he ever talks a bit loud or doesn't respond, please forgive him—our son is completely deaf in his right ear," she added.

As conversations about privilege continue to trend online, Joaquin's PBB Collab 2.0 journey has turned into something bigger than just weekly votes. With both he and Angel speaking up, the spotlight now shifts back to what happens inside the house—and how viewers choose to see his story moving forward.