Listen to the article
Deepfake Videos Falsely Show Ex-Congressman Zaldy Co in Paris Amid Flood Control Scandal
Multiple videos circulating on social media claiming to show former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co in Paris have been confirmed as AI-generated deepfakes, as the politician remains absent from public view amid investigations into alleged flood control project anomalies.
Three separate videos posted on YouTube by a channel called JooTV collectively amassed over 1.4 million views, purporting to show Co in various public settings in Paris. In one clip, a man presented as Co attempts to block a camera before walking away, with a Paris establishment visible in the background. Two additional videos claim to show him dining at a restaurant and casually drinking coffee abroad.
Advanced AI detection tools have flagged these videos as almost certainly fake, with Hive Moderation rating them as 99.8% to 99.9% likely to be AI-generated deepfakes. The AI or Not tool similarly identified screenshots from all three videos as probable synthetic content.
These fabricated sightings come as Co faces intense scrutiny for his alleged role in a major corruption scandal. According to investigators, Co may have received kickbacks totaling P8.75 billion from various flood control projects. Sunwest Construction and Development Corporation, a company he co-founded, reportedly secured contracts worth approximately P10 billion between 2022 and 2025—the largest allocation given to any single firm in the sector, according to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.
The former representative is also accused of orchestrating roughly P13 billion in budget insertions for flood control and other infrastructure initiatives in the 2025 national budget. Co, who resigned from his congressional post in September, has denied all allegations against him.
The actual whereabouts of the former lawmaker remain unclear. According to recent reports, Co arrived in New York in July seeking medical treatment and departed on August 1. He reportedly returned to New York on August 26 and left again on September 13. His legal counsel, Ruy Rondain, stated during a November 5 press briefing that he last understood Co to be in Boston for medical reasons, though no photographic evidence has been released to verify these claims.
Adding to the confusion, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla previously indicated that Co had been moving between Spain and Portugal. The uncertainty has prompted the Department of Justice to request an International Police (Interpol) Blue Notice to locate the former lawmaker.
The proliferation of AI-generated content featuring Co highlights the increasing challenge of distinguishing authentic from fabricated media, particularly in cases involving public figures involved in high-profile controversies. This trend of deepfake videos comes at a time when the Philippines is grappling with the implications of the massive flood control scandal that has implicated several officials.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson has announced that Co will be invited to attend the November 14 blue ribbon committee hearing into the flood control controversy via video conference, potentially providing the first verified public appearance of the former congressman since the investigations began.
As authorities continue their pursuit of Co and their investigation into the alleged corruption scheme, the circulation of these deepfake videos underscores the need for heightened vigilance against disinformation, especially when it involves matters of significant public interest and political accountability.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
12 Comments
This is a concerning case of deepfake videos being used to mislead the public. It’s critical that we stay vigilant and rely on authoritative sources to verify information, especially when dealing with high-profile figures facing investigations.
Agreed. The proliferation of AI-generated content is a real challenge that requires robust fact-checking and transparency measures to combat misinformation.
It’s concerning to see these alleged sightings of the former congressman in Paris turn out to be AI-generated. This highlights the need for greater public awareness and education around the capabilities and risks of deepfake technology.
Well said. As these tools become more advanced, we must be vigilant in verifying the authenticity of digital content, especially when it involves public figures under investigation.
The use of deepfake technology to fabricate videos of a politician amid a corruption scandal is highly problematic. I hope investigators are able to get to the bottom of this and hold those responsible accountable.
Absolutely. Deepfakes pose a serious threat to the integrity of information and democratic processes. Rigorous scrutiny and strong safeguards are essential.
This case highlights the need for greater regulation and oversight when it comes to the use of AI-generated content. The public deserves accurate information, not fabricated videos intended to mislead.
Absolutely. Policymakers and tech companies need to work together to address the challenges posed by deepfakes and ensure the integrity of digital information.
It’s alarming to see how advanced deepfake technology has become, allowing for the creation of such convincing yet completely fabricated videos. This underscores the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in the digital age.
Well said. As these technologies continue to evolve, we must remain vigilant and develop robust strategies to detect and mitigate the spread of manipulated content.
The revelation that these videos are deepfakes is a disappointing but important reminder that we must be cautious about the information we encounter online. Fact-checking and relying on reputable sources is crucial.
Agreed. Deepfakes have the potential to undermine trust and transparency, which is why it’s so important that we develop robust methods to detect and mitigate their impact.