Ellen Adarna Calls Out Politicians Who Act Like Royals

Former actress Ellen Adarna didn’t hold back on social media recently when she shared her thoughts about certain public officials who, according to her, forget who they’re supposed to be serving once they get elected.

In a series of Instagram Stories posted on the night of May 12, 2025, Ellen voiced her frustration just days after the country held its midterm elections. She spoke openly about her own experiences and observations, noting that while some politicians are humble and do their jobs well, others seem to develop a sense of entitlement once they’re in office.

maria.elena.adarna 

Just speaking from experience rani guys ha. Some are okay -grounded and respectful.. but some are just UGH. barf! 

It's honestly wild when you think about it. We're the ones paying for public servants —their salaries, their offices, their benefits. All of it comes from taxpayers. We're basically feeding them three meals a day, with snacks and coffee breaks in between. But when we deal with them? Its like we have to tiptoe, smile nice, and act like we owe them, Like they're royalty... in a country thats already a mess Uh, no. Shouldn't it be the other way around? They're supposed to work for us. Lets not forget whos actually keeping the lights on here. So, madlang people, don't ever let anyone make you feel like public servants are above you. Because if they do? That means they're more into maintaining power than actually serving the people. And when they forget whos boss? remind them. So... uhm.., kinsa diay imong bossing?! 

Answer : the madlang people! 

Ellen stressed that it's the public, the taxpayers, who pay for the salaries, benefits, and even the office snacks of these officials. Despite that, many ordinary citizens often feel nervous or hesitant when approaching public servants, as if they're asking for a personal favor instead of receiving a service they rightfully deserve.

She found it absurd that some elected officials act as though they’re royalty, enjoying power and privilege in a country that already has its fair share of problems. For Ellen, the roles are reversed, it’s not the people who should serve the politicians, but the other way around.

In one of her posts, she said it plainly: “We’re basically feeding them three meals a day,” but when we interact with them, we have to “tiptoe” and “act like we owe them.” She urged Filipinos to remember that public servants are not superior to anyone. In fact, as she put it, “We’re their bosses.”

Her message to the public was clear: never let any politician make you feel small. If they start acting more interested in power than service, it’s time to remind them who really runs the show.

It was a bold statement, but one that resonated with many who feel the same way about how politics often works in the Philippines.

(via Ellen Adarna)