Halloween 2025: Stylish Flood-Ready Looks

In the world of spooky and eerie tales, there's nothing more terrifying than the flood control scam that has taken billions of pesos from Filipino taxpayers. It's no wonder that this issue could easily become the centerpiece of this year's Halloween festivities. If you're politically aware and want to dive into this topic for your trick-or-treat costume in 2025, here are some ideas you can consider. The choice you make will depend on the resources you have, the impact you wish to create, and the level of frustration you feel about this issue.

Nepo Baby

This costume is relatively easy to pull off. All you need is an adult diaper, a bib, and a pair of large dark sunglasses. If this look feels too generic and doesn't scream "flood control scam" to you, then add some bling and carry a big luxury bag that you can show off to everyone. You can even bring a bottle of champagne with you—because nothing says "nepo baby" louder than tackiness and drunkenness in wealth.

Ghost Project

Move over, Casper. The ghosts of the flood control scam are definitely not friendly. They scare because they are real horror, even though they don't exist. These are projects that have names and costs on paper but have no actual physical manifestations, yet involve real big money going to only a few people. To achieve the look, simply cut two small holes in a plain white blanket or bed sheet. That's it—you're a ghost representing a non-existent flood control project.

Money Heist

The flood control scam is literally a money heist, so this hit drama series is right on the money. The most obvious thing to do is slip into the show’s iconic red hooded jumpsuit and put on its equally iconic Salvador Dali mask. However, if you feel this look should have gone away—dead and buried—as soon as the final episode of Season 3 ended, then prepare to put in the work for an ensemble that promises to cause a flood of stares, plus perhaps cheers, from everyone.

• Step 1: Look for a small empty desk that you can easily carry or move around, or create a fake one made of styro or cardboard boxes.
• Step 2: Load the desk completely with stacks of fake Philippine money.
• Step 3: Either carry the entire thing with you or strap it to an office chair with wheels so you can easily just slide on the floor.

Voila, you’re a desk at the office of a corrupt official that’s ready to hand out the spoils from the money heist.

Contractor from Hell

Here’s a checklist: a hard hat, a construction reflective vest on top of a shirt, pants, and some money if you like. Amp it up with a construction plan and a shovel-cum-devil’s pitchfork. Optional, for added visual effect: devil’s tail. Also optional, for added sound effect: British accent.

Crocs in High Places

Time to bring out that vintage dress or old Filipiniana for women or suit and tie for men. As the piece de resistance that would define this look, put on a crocodile mask. One made of carton or cardboard will do, but better to go all out and wear one of those rubber crocodile headpieces. The more lifelike the better, because as far as croc-like behaviors go, corrupt officials in Congress (both in the Senate and the Lower House) have them down pat. For props, you might want to bring a briefcase with play money peeking out from the sides, too.

Crocs on Wheels

This is the same as above, but this one's in a wheelchair because of some sudden “medical condition.” Neck brace recommended but not required.

The Flooded/Drowned

On the other side of the equation, there is us, the taxpayers, whose hard-earned money the corrupt in government enjoy with the appetite and ferocity of always-hungry crocodiles, and no actual projects to show for. What do we wear for Halloween? Here’s one idea: Dress up as a payslip with the income tax in big, bold, and highlighted numbers for full visual impact.

Or we can simply wear a shirt that goes for the jugular with any of these statements: "Stop flooding us with corruption!" "Ikulong na 'yan, mga kurakot!" "Tama na! Sobra na! Panagutin na!"

And wear the shirt/s again one month later, on Nov. 30, at any of the protest actions against the real-life horror that’s the flood control scam.

Happy Halloween!