Josh Mojica, the 21-year-old entrepreneur behind Kangkong Chips Original, has denied claims that he is already a billionaire following a viral Facebook post that drew sharp criticism from former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) commissioner Rowena Guanzon.
The controversy began on August 19 when Mojica reshared a fan page post stating, “21 years old ‘bilyonaryo na,’ ikaw?” Many netizens took it as his personal declaration of billionaire status, prompting Guanzon to publicly challenge the claim.
On her Facebook page, Guanzon questioned Mojica’s supposed wealth, even asking the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to check his taxes. She compared him to Mang Inasal founder Edgar “Injap” Sia II, who became the Philippines’ youngest billionaire at 34. Her posts drew hundreds of reactions and further fueled online debate.
Mojica, however, released a video statement on August 23 to set the record straight. “Honestly, ‘yun talaga ang pangarap ko: to become a billionaire one day,” he said. “And I am proud na marami ring kabataan ang nai-inspire doon. Kaya hindi po ‘yun pagyayabang.”
He clarified that the viral post did not come from his official account and was only reshared because he found the reactions amusing and motivating. “Una sa lahat, let’s be clear: I have never claimed to be a billionaire. Maliit pa po tayo para doon,” he explained. Mojica also stressed that he has always run his business “legal, transparent, and focused on growth.”
The young CEO expressed dismay that even respected public figures had spread the misinformation. “Mas masakit pa dito, nakakalungkot, na pati isa sa pinakamatataas na lider ng ating lipunan… ay naniniwala at nagpapakalat po ng fake news,” he said, alluding to Guanzon.
Despite the controversy, Mojica maintained that he remains focused on his goals. “Iisa lang akong batang CEO na hindi pa po bilyonaryo. But I’m on my way,” he declared. “At habang ako ay abala sa pagsisikap at pagsisipag para sa aking kinabukasan; ‘yung iba naman… ay abala sa paggawa at pagpapakalat ng fake news para sa pansarili nilang kapakanan.”
He ended his message with a pointed remark: “Ngayon, ang tanong: sino ba talaga ang nakakaawa dito?”
