Celebrities who love to flaunt their latest acquisitions should also make it a habit to disclose the legitimate sources of their income that justify their ability to make such extravagant investments — whether for themselves or for their loved ones.

This proposal primarily concerns private personalities who are not required to file a Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN). Even though they are not legally obligated, voluntarily disclosing their sources of wealth could prevent rumors of “sugar moms” or “sugar dads,” regardless of the celebrity’s age or marital status.

True, celebrities can argue that the public has no right to know how they earn their millions. And yes, they are technically correct — but such secrecy often fuels speculation, accusations, and even slander. These claims rarely cease unless celebrities take legal action, though this is effective only against individuals who use their real identities online.

It is worth noting that legitimate journalists today rarely fabricate claims of financial misconduct; rather, they often amplify them, lending accusations a veneer of credibility.

Consider the case of Sen. Chiz Escudero, who reportedly gave his wife, actress and fashion icon Heart Evangelista, a Paraíba diamond ring valued at P57 million last year. Some have questioned whether this purchase was financed by donations to his past political campaigns, which allegedly totaled billions. Escudero’s SALN, however, listed assets of only a few million pesos — far less than the equivalent of $1 million needed for the ring.

Similarly, young actress Jillian Ward, known for flaunting her luxury cars and new house, has been rumored to have a “sugar dad” in billionaire businessman and former politician Chavit Singson. Both Ward and Singson deny knowing each other personally.

More troubling are claims that Ward’s mother facilitates relationships with wealthy men and, allegedly, women. While such allegations are sensational, they are not unique; Annabelle Rama, mother of Ruffa Gutierrez, faced similar accusations regarding her daughter. Notably, no comparable rumors exist about Ruffa’s brother, actor Richard Gutierrez.

Accusations of being a billionaire’s companion — once labeled as “mistress” or “kept man” — remain irresistible fodder for media and social media alike. Such stories attract considerable attention from audiences whose own lives are comparatively uneventful.

Many celebrities earn millions per project, whether through lump-sum payments or incremental installments. While they rarely disclose exact fees, they frequently boast about luxury purchases and international travel — activities that invite speculation if their income sources remain undisclosed. Social media users and gossip outlets, often hiding behind pseudonyms, capitalize on this opacity, making legal recourse difficult.

Even top local celebrities’ taxes and project fees are largely unknown, and undisclosed non-singing endorsements can contribute substantially to their wealth.

Contrast this with Hollywood, where major stars’ salaries and fringe benefits are often publicized for transparency and taxation purposes. Ownership of multiple mansions, yachts, jets, and business ventures abroad rarely sparks accusations of unethical relationships with the wealthy. Instead, the public has focused on reports of sexual abuse, exploitation, and harassment—most famously in the cases of Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey—which sparked the global “Me Too” movement.

Why does the public, media and bloggers relish the allegedly shady aspects of celebrities’ lives? Perhaps because such stories often feel more plausible than fictional plots in movies and TV dramas, satisfying a collective appetite for scandal and intrigue.