The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pagudpud is considering filing legal charges and declaring a social media vlogger persona non grata after he allegedly posted misleading claims about fees collected at the Saud Municipal Beach Park.

The controversy arose after the vlogger claimed in a social media post that visitors were being charged P600 as a two-hour entrance fee to the beach park.

Municipal Administrator Atty. Corpuz denied the allegation, clarifying that the P600 amount is the rental fee for a cottage from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with an additional P100 charged for every excess hour.

He said the environmental fees are P50 for adults, P40 for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and students, and P25 for children aged 8 to 12. Children aged seven and below, or those measuring three feet in height and below, as well as Pagudpud residents, are exempt from the environmental fee.

Corpuz said the fees are authorized under Municipal Ordinance No. 2025-039. He also alleged that the vlogger did not personally verify the rates with the beach park's front desk, noting that it was the driver's companion who inquired instead.

The LGU said it is evaluating possible legal remedies, including declaring the vlogger persona non grata, arguing that the content may have been created to generate online engagement.

In a statement, the municipality said all fees collected at the Saud Municipal Beach Park are transparent and authorized by ordinance. Parking fees are set at P150 for light vehicles and P300 for buses and trucks for up to 10 hours, with an additional P100 per excess hour.

The municipality said the revenues support beach maintenance, environmental conservation, sanitation, public safety, tourism facilities, and livelihood programs for residents dependent on the local tourism industry.

The LGU urged the public to verify information through official municipal channels and reaffirmed its commitment to responsible, transparent, and sustainable tourism.