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In a swift response to circulating misinformation, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has officially denied that Secretary Vince Dizon made inflammatory remarks directed at a vlogger who criticized him over Ilocos infrastructure projects.
The alleged statement, which has gained significant traction across social media platforms, quoted Dizon as saying: “To the stout vlogger who went to Ilocos, do not get ahead of me and slander me, you know I can file a case against you for saying that I am avoiding Ilocos.”
The fabricated quote cards have spread extensively on Facebook, with several high-profile pages amplifying the false information. Former broadcaster Jay Sonza’s page shared the content on January 27, garnering approximately 1,400 comments and over 200 shares. Other pages including “Political Media,” “Pinoy Updates,” and individual accounts like CristyClaville Tagnipez’s post have collectively amassed tens of thousands of reactions and comments.
When contacted for verification, DPWH categorically dismissed the attributed statement. “We confirm that the social media posts mentioned in your inquiry are false. Secretary Vince Dizon did not make this statement, and the content is not an official DPWH communication,” the department clarified in an email response.
Notably, none of the social media posts sharing the alleged quote provided any supporting evidence, such as video footage or official documentation from DPWH that would substantiate their claims.
The fabricated statement appears to be connected to ongoing scrutiny of government infrastructure projects. The posts imply that Dizon has deliberately avoided investigating potential irregularities in Ilocos Norte—widely recognized as a stronghold of the Marcos political family—amid broader probes into alleged corruption within the infrastructure sector.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of the current administration’s flood control controversy, during which Dizon has publicly committed to investigating alleged anomalies in infrastructure projects and their associated contractors. The secretary has also pledged enhanced monitoring of future flood control initiatives.
In recent weeks, Dizon has remained active in his official capacity. On January 14, he ordered the reopening of a critical roadway connecting Bukidnon to Northern Mindanao and Davao. This decisive action followed a landslide in October 2025 that caused partial collapse of the road, disrupting regional economic activities.
The circulation of false quotes appears to be part of a broader pattern of misinformation. Media organizations have repeatedly had to fact-check fabricated statements attributed to government officials. Just days before this incident, another false claim regarding the Philippines’ war on drugs was debunked.
Jay Sonza, whose page was among those spreading the fabricated Dizon quote, has previously been identified as a source of misinformation. On February 2, fact-checkers exposed Sonza’s circulation of a purported medical report about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which was determined to be inauthentic.
The proliferation of such misleading content underscores the ongoing challenge of information verification in the digital age, particularly on issues related to governance and accountability in public infrastructure development. As investigations into flood control and other infrastructure projects continue, distinguishing between factual reporting and fabricated narratives remains crucial for informed public discourse.
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12 Comments
This highlights the need for a more robust fact-checking ecosystem in the Philippines. Fabricated quotes and statements can have real consequences, and it’s crucial that the public has access to reliable information, especially regarding government officials.
Agreed. Strengthening fact-checking efforts and media literacy education could go a long way in combating the spread of misinformation in the country.
While I’m not surprised to see this kind of misinformation circulating, it’s still concerning. The DPWH’s swift denial is a good step, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of disinformation in the Philippines.
You make a fair point. Tackling misinformation requires a multi-pronged approach, including better regulations, digital literacy programs, and accountability measures for those who spread falsehoods.
I’m glad the DPWH was proactive in addressing this false claim. Transparency and accountability from government agencies are essential in maintaining public trust, especially in the face of widespread misinformation.
Well said. Prompt responses from authorities can help curb the spread of harmful rumors and misinformation, which is a growing concern in the digital age.
Interesting that this alleged threat against the vlogger appears to be fabricated. It’s important to verify information, especially when it comes to government officials and their statements. I wonder what the motivations were behind spreading this misinformation.
You’re right, fact-checking is crucial in these cases. It’s concerning how quickly misinformation can spread online, even without an official statement.
I’m glad the DPWH was quick to deny this alleged statement by Secretary Dizon. It’s important for government agencies to be transparent and correct false claims, especially on social media where information can be easily distorted.
Absolutely. Proactive communication from the authorities helps maintain public trust and prevent the spread of harmful rumors.
It’s disappointing to see how quickly this fabricated quote spread on social media. The DPWH’s response is reassuring, but it underscores the need for greater digital media literacy and fact-checking efforts in the country.
Absolutely. Building a more informed and discerning public is key to combating the proliferation of misinformation, which can have serious consequences for trust in institutions and democratic processes.