Angel Locsin defends stepson Joaquin Arce from being called 'nepo baby'

Angel Locsin has come to the defense of Joaquin Arce after he was labeled a "nepo baby" by some netizens and during the "Tapatan" challenge inside "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0."

On X, Angel did not hold back in defending her stepson from bashers, saying, "Ano namang kasalanan ni Joaquin at naging asawa ko ang dad [Neil Arce] niya para ma-brand siya as nepo baby?"

The term "nepo baby," short for nepotism baby, is often used to describe children or relatives of celebrities who are perceived to benefit from family connections in the same industry. Amid the issue of flood control last year, "nepo babies" became a trending topic as netizens slammed children of politicians and contractors for their lavish lifestyles.

The actress pushed back against the insinuation by pointing out her own humble beginnings in show business.

"Para namang hindi ako nag dyip o bus papuntang tapings ko dati," she said, adding a comment about flood control personalities and alleged corruption. 

"'Yung P12,000 na boto ko kay Joaquin sa buong journey niya, baka dagdagan ko, maasar ko lang 'yung ibang [gumagawa] ng issue," she said.

Calling Joaquin her "son," Angel said he could have asked her for a project in show business, but he chose to audition for "PBB" instead to make a name for himself.

"'Wag bitter. Nakakapanget' yan," she ended.

During the "Tapatan" challenge in PBB, Joaquin was asked about being branded a "nepo baby" in showbiz, to which he responded: "Everything that 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."

He also said that if he gets the chance to work with Angel in the future, he would consider it a "prize."

"I think I have to deserve it. I think I have to be a good enough actor to work with her," he said.

Joaquin is one of the remaining housemates dubbed the Ultimate 8 alongside Caprice Cayetano, Princess Aliyah, Ashley Sarmiento, Lella Ford, Krystal Mejes, Heath Jornales, and Miguel Vergara.

The "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0" Big Night will be on February 28.

Bihira lang akong mag social media ha. Pero nagulat ako sa comments ng ilang tao dito. Ano namang kasalanan ni Joaquin at naging asawa ko ang dad nya para ma-brand sya as nepo baby? Para namang hindi ako nag dyip o bus papuntang tapings ko dati. Kalevel ko pala si Discaya? Lol.…

— Angel Locsin (@143redangel) February 25, 2026

— Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News