This is the shocking moment Filipino politicians shamelessly hurled money over each other at a dinner party, sparking public outrage in the poverty-stricken nation.

The local governor danced in a shower of banknotes as lavishly dressed guests tossed wads of cash at her during a religious festival in Samar province on August 22.

Footage shows the government official swaying to traditional music as 20 and 50-peso notes fluttered around her.

The piles of cash reportedly totalled 539,000 PHP (6,985 GBP) - an eye-watering sum worth 90 times the regional monthly minimum wage.

The grotesque display of wealth drew criticism amid mounting anger over rampant corruption in the government, which is controlled by the son of the chronically corrupt late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who stole up to 10 billion USD from state coffers.

In a statement, Samar Governor Sharee Tan defended her participation in the event.

She said: 'The Office of the Governor of Samar wishes to set the record straight regarding the video that has been the subject of misleading reports.

'The footage was not taken during a lavish dinner nor was it connected to government programs or projects. It was taken during the Hermano Night of the Catbalogan City Fiesta, a community celebration where the traditional Kuratsa dance was performed.'

Sharee claimed she was simply honouring local traditions, including the money dance, which is usually held during occasions such as weddings, birthdays, school events, and other community gatherings.

She continued: 'Part of this custom is the 'gala' or money showering, which symbolises generosity and community spirit. It is in no way a display of luxury or wealth, but a practice deeply embedded in our way of celebrating faith and togetherness.'

She said the funds collected will be donated to various churches in the province.

The governor added: 'We acknowledge the sentiments of our people regarding broader issues in governance, and we remain committed to accountability, transparency, and improving public service delivery.'

Sharee is part of a powerful political clan that has reigned for decades in Samar province, which sees frequent catastrophic flooding during the country's monsoon season.

Public fury is mounting in the Philippines after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed this month that billions of pesos meant for flood control were allegedly pocketed by corrupt politicians and contractors.

The president, himself the son of a notorious dictator who plundered the nation's coffers, has since ordered a probe into the anomalous projects, as well as lifestyle checks on government officials.

Even the mother of the current President, Imelda Marcos, is best known for her sprawling collection of designer shoes that were amassed while her husband was in power.

(1 GBP = 77.16 PHP)