Bobby Yan slammed for using late brother Rico Yan’s face in campaign (2025)

Rico Yan’s brother, Bobby Yan, is on the receiving end of criticism after using the face of the late matinee idol in his campaign paraphernalia, as he vies for a spot in Cabuyao, Laguna’s council.

Photos of Bobby’s campaign materials made rounds on social media after netizens spotted Rico’s face prominently pictured in the TV host-politician’s poster, leading many to ask if the late matinee idol is the one running for a local seat.

One @auntieselina_ said: “Si Rico ba tatakbo? Charot”

Si Rico ba tatakbo? Charot pic.twitter.com/FUl3C9Pmhk

— Auntie Selina (@auntieselina_) April 12, 2025

Meanwhile, another @vanilladeee and other netizens urged Bobby to let Rico rest, noting that he has been dead for quite some time.

Jusko ginamit na naman ang namayapa na 😭😭😭 https://t.co/BP5J7eNkeO

— CrakerFlakes (@CrakerFlakes) April 12, 2025

Pagpahingahin niyo naman yung patay! https://t.co/IksuD5kXPC

— 💖 (@jessicaviiii) April 12, 2025

He has no shame. Rico has been dead for 23 years ano ba. https://t.co/jXSnIMiKok

— Ms. V ᥫ᭡. (@vanilladeee) April 12, 2025

lmao di ba sinabi nya before na huwag gamitin yung kapatid nya? https://t.co/wvqefcUjBr

— leemond (@tuffymond) April 12, 2025

Still he’s milking his brother? Wala ba siyang ibang accomplishment sa buhay?#RicoYan https://t.co/R7j08LbGYM

— Kimberly Lorraine (@KimmyLorraine) April 12, 2025

X user @jahjoken_ said: “I’m sorry but why would you use Rico Yan for your candidacy? Antagal nang namayapa nung tao (The person has been dead for a long time). It’s not like he’s endorsing para sayo. I don’t know you, but I know you can do better than this. This is just so WRONG.”

I’m sorry but why would you use Rico Yan for your candidacy? Antagal nang namayapa nung tao. It’s not like he’s endorsing para sayo.

I don’t know you, but I know you can do better than this. This is just so WRONG. https://t.co/2C2WGlqp9x

— S E R A P H I N E (@jahjoken_) April 12, 2025

Despite this, other Facebook netizens pointed out that it is alright for Bobby to use Rico’s face in his campaign materials, noting that they are brothers anyway.

Image: Screengrab from Facebook/Konsi Bobby Yan

Aas of press time, Bobby, however, has not addressed his use of the “Got 2 Believe” star’s image in his campaign. He has nonetheless forged ahead with his campaign for Councilor in Cabuyao City.

Rico previously made headlines after former sexy star Sabrina M claimed that they were in a relationship. Her claims, however, were denied by Rico’s mother Sita, who appealed to the public to refrain from making false allegations about the actor’s life, out of respect for his legacy.

The actor, who died on March 29, 2022, a Good Friday, at the age of 27, was considered one of the leading heartthrobs from the late 1990s to the 2000s. Among his notable works are the films “Got 2 Believe,” “Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay,” “Mula sa Puso: The Movie,” and “Gimik: The Reunion,” as well as the dramas “Gimik” and “Mula Sa Puso.”