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Senator Marcoleta Debunks Viral AI-Generated Photo Showing Him Drinking with Duterte and INC Leader
A manipulated image circulating widely on social media that appears to show Senator Rodante Marcoleta accepting alcoholic beverages from former President Rodrigo Duterte while Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo looks on has been conclusively proven false.
The fabricated photo, which gained significant traction on Facebook before some posts were removed, depicts the three men dressed in designer clothes at what seems to be a social gathering. Multiple AI detection tools have flagged the image as almost certainly artificial, with confidence levels ranging from 97% to 99%.
During a Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media hearing on December 15, Marcoleta personally addressed the doctored image, categorically denying its authenticity. “You all know that I’m a member of Iglesia ni Cristo and we don’t drink any alcohol or any drink that can cause intoxication,” the senator stated during the proceedings.
The false image had spread rapidly across Facebook groups with memberships reaching up to 37,000 people. According to screenshots presented at the Senate hearing, one since-deleted post had accumulated over 21,200 reactions, 14,600 comments, and 1,800 shares before being taken down. The most widely shared active post still featuring the image has garnered nearly 200 reactions and over 300 comments.
Captions accompanying the fake photo varied in their claims, with some mockingly describing the scene as a “banal na hapunan” (holy dinner). Others suggested that Marcoleta couldn’t refuse Duterte’s offer of alcohol due to their friendship, while some posts specifically highlighted the apparent hypocrisy of Manalo’s presence, given that alcohol consumption is prohibited for INC members.
Comment sections on these posts revealed that many users believed the image to be authentic, with some criticizing perceived religious hypocrisy. “Don’t act so pure and then say you’re the only ones who will be saved when you have vices yourselves,” wrote one commenter, demonstrating the image’s potential to damage reputations and sow discord.
The circulation of this falsified image comes at a sensitive time for Marcoleta, who has maintained a high profile as an INC member since winning his Senate seat in the 2025 midterm elections. While INC members are generally prohibited from running for public office, reports indicate that the church made an exception for Marcoleta, supporting his campaign with substantial resources.
Marcoleta has remained vocal about his religious affiliation in his senatorial role. Just last month, he spoke at a significant INC rally where he criticized ongoing flood control investigations for alleged lack of transparency.
This incident highlights the growing challenge of AI-generated disinformation in Philippine politics. As artificial intelligence tools become more sophisticated and accessible, distinguishing between authentic and fabricated content becomes increasingly difficult for ordinary social media users.
The viral spread of this doctored image also underscores how disinformation often targets religious and political figures, attempting to create contradictions between their public statements and purported private actions. For religious organizations like INC, which maintains strict behavioral guidelines for members, such fabrications can be particularly damaging.
This is not the first time Marcoleta has been targeted by false claims on social media. Fact-checking organizations have previously debunked numerous fabricated stories about the senator, indicating a pattern of disinformation directed at the prominent INC member turned politician.
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8 Comments
This highlights the need for robust digital forensics capabilities to detect manipulated media. As AI-generated content becomes more convincing, fact-checking will be crucial to safeguard the integrity of information online.
Agreed. Advances in detection tools and public awareness campaigns are key to combating the spread of deepfakes and other fabricated digital content.
It’s reassuring to see the senator take a strong stance against the doctored photo. Addressing misinformation head-on, especially when it involves public figures, helps maintain confidence in democratic institutions.
Glad the photo was identified as AI-generated. In an era of deepfakes, it’s important for public figures to proactively address and debunk false imagery. Maintaining transparency and trust is critical for leaders.
Interesting to see how easily doctored images can spread online these days. It’s good the senator was able to quickly address and debunk this manipulated photo. Transparency and fact-checking are important to maintain trust in public figures.
Yes, the ability to create believable AI-generated images is concerning. Fact-checking and calling out misinformation is crucial to combat the spread of disinformation.
The senator’s firm denial and explanation that he doesn’t consume alcohol as a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo church helps clarify the situation. It’s a reminder to be cautious about unverified images, especially those that seem politically motivated.
Absolutely. Validating the source and context of visual content is so important in the digital age, when manipulation tools are increasingly sophisticated.