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In a recent case of misinformation circulating on social media, a fabricated quote attributed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has drawn attention from fact-checkers and concerned citizens alike.
The false quote card, which appeared on Facebook, shows a photo of President Marcos with text claiming he stated, “Kaming mga Marcos lang ang hindi korap sa ating bansa” (Only we Marcoses are not corrupt in our country). The manipulated image also includes text about the Philippines’ national debt reaching P17.71 trillion.
Posted by “Onyarap Joejoe,” a pro-Duterte Facebook page with approximately 175,000 followers, the misleading content has already garnered dozens of reactions and more than 120 comments, indicating significant engagement despite its dubious authenticity.
Fact-checking efforts have confirmed that no official record exists of President Marcos making such a statement in any public forum or interview. The image used in the fabricated quote card was actually an Inquirer file photo taken during bicameral deliberations on the 2023 national budget, repurposed to spread false information.
Further investigation reveals that the purported quote cannot be found in any credible media coverage. Keyword searches show the statement only appears in unverified social media posts and digitally manipulated graphics, lacking any journalistic documentation or official transcripts to support its authenticity.
The irony of the fabricated statement is particularly stark given the well-documented history of the Marcos family’s legal troubles regarding ill-gotten wealth. Following the 1986 “People Power” Revolution that ousted Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the Philippine government established the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) specifically to recover billions in assets allegedly stolen during the Marcos regime.
The Supreme Court (in G.R. No. 152154) previously ruled that $658 million in Marcos Swiss bank deposits were indeed “ill-gotten.” To date, the PCGG has successfully recovered more than ₱174 billion in assets determined to be illegally acquired during the Marcos administration.
More recent controversies have continued to plague the extended Marcos political network. According to the April 2026 Ombudsman Briefing (Ref: OMB-2026-04) and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee findings, plunder charges against former speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero are reportedly being finalized over alleged irregularities in flood control projects between 2024 and 2025, with formal charges expected in May 2026.
Additionally, investigations by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) and the House Tri-Committee in 2025 identified Representative Sandro Marcos as the legislator with the highest “allocable” public works funds among district representatives, totaling ₱15.8 billion.
This incident highlights the continuing challenge of misinformation on social media platforms, where fabricated quotes can quickly gain traction, especially when distributed by pages with substantial followings. Media literacy experts note that authentic statements from public officials are typically covered by multiple credible news sources and supported by video recordings or official transcripts.
Fact-checkers advise the public to be particularly wary of quote cards and images that feature real photographs paired with text that lacks proper context, sourcing, or verification. Before accepting any purported statement as authentic, citizens are encouraged to verify if the quote appears in full interviews, official statements, or reliable news reporting.
As digital platforms continue to serve as primary information sources for many Filipinos, the ability to distinguish between authentic and fabricated content remains an essential skill in maintaining an informed citizenry and preventing the spread of misleading political narratives.
Fact Checker
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18 Comments
This is a timely reminder to always verify claims, especially those that seem politically charged. Fact-checking is an essential part of responsible journalism and civic discourse.
I concur. Maintaining a well-informed public requires rigorously debunking false narratives, no matter the source.
Fabricated quotes like this are extremely concerning and can have real consequences for public trust. Kudos to the journalists for their rigorous debunking efforts.
Well said. Fact-based reporting is essential for maintaining a well-informed citizenry and upholding the democratic process.
This case highlights the importance of critical thinking and verifying information, especially when it comes to politically charged claims. Fact-checking is a vital service.
I agree. Relying on authoritative and trustworthy sources is key to combating the spread of misinformation and maintaining the integrity of our public discourse.
Glad to see fact-checking efforts are keeping misinformation in check. It’s important we rely on verified sources and avoid spreading unsubstantiated claims, no matter the political affiliations involved.
Absolutely. Fact-based reporting is crucial for maintaining public trust and informed discourse, even on sensitive political topics.
Fabricated quotes are a serious problem that undermines faith in our institutions. I appreciate the diligence of journalists in setting the record straight on this issue.
Agreed. We must be vigilant against the spread of misinformation, regardless of the political motivations behind it.
It’s concerning to see how quickly misinformation can spread on social media. I’m glad the fact-checkers were able to swiftly address this particular case.
Yes, the speed at which false claims can proliferate online underscores the importance of having reliable, trusted sources to turn to.
Kudos to the fact-checkers for their diligence in debunking this false claim. Maintaining the integrity of public discourse is essential for a healthy democracy.
I agree. Fact-based reporting is the foundation for meaningful discussion and informed decision-making by the public.
While political rhetoric can be divisive, it’s important we remain grounded in facts. I’m glad to see the disinformation commission taking this issue seriously.
Exactly. Fact-checking is a vital service that helps counter the spread of misinformation and preserves the integrity of our public discourse.
This highlights the need for greater media literacy and critical thinking when consuming information, especially on sensitive political topics. Fact-checking is crucial for maintaining an informed citizenry.
Absolutely. We must all be diligent in verifying claims and not simply accepting information at face value, regardless of its source or our own biases.