Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan denied she participated in a ‘lavish dinner’ party, where she was filmed throwing cash around while dancing. Her office explained this was part of a traditional Filipino custom popular among Waray people called ‘kuratsa’ also known as the ‘money dance.’
In a statement released on Monday, the provincial government claimed the videos that went viral on social media were “misleading” as the gathering was never connected with any public-funded projects or programs.
“It was taken during the Hermano Night of the Catbalogan City Fiesta, a community celebration where the traditional kuratsa dance was performed,” the Office of the Governor of Samar clarified.
“It is in no way a display of luxury or wealth, but a practice deeply embedded in our way of celebrating faith and togetherness,” the office added, noting that the tradition is often featured in weddings, fiestas, or other types of social gatherings.
The video quickly sparked online attention as people have been criticizing the role that government officials play in allowing certain individuals and businesses to thrive in alleged corrupt practices at the expense of better public services.
The Office of the Governor of Samar did not offer an apology in its statement and simply acknowledged the “sentiments of our people regarding broader issues in governance.”
“We recognize that some may feel that public officials must avoid joining activities such as the Kuratsa in order to remain sensitive to the people’s concerns. We deeply respect this view,” its statement read.
It noted that the proceeds generated from the ‘kuratsa’ dance in the said gathering would be donated for the benefit of several churches based in Catbalogan City.
“Governor Tan joins these cultural traditions not to display wealth or power, but to honor the Samarnon identity and to support the causes they represent, in this case, the local church and its communities,” the office added.
