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Unregistered Eye Drop Product Falsely Marketed with Deepfake Celebrity Endorsement
A Facebook page promoting an unregistered eye drop product has been caught using deepfake technology to falsely portray well-known cardiologist and online health personality Dr. Willie Ong as endorsing their product.
The advertisement, posted by a page named “Clear Eye Sight Care PH” with approximately 600 followers, has garnered over 260,000 views, 1,400 reactions, and 130 comments. The video features manipulated footage appearing to show Dr. Ong recommending “Clear Sight” eye drops for various eye conditions including dryness, redness, blurriness, and cataracts.
In the manipulated video, the voice mimicking Dr. Ong claims, “If you’re experiencing dryness, redness, blurriness, or you have a cataract in your eyes, this is the right solution for you because it contains rose water that can eliminate the cataract and restore the clarity of your vision.”
Digital forensic analysis conducted using Sensity’s deepfake detection tools flagged the video as suspicious with a 98% confidence rating for facial manipulation. The assessment also identified that objects in the video were likely AI-generated (75.5% confidence), while voice analysis detected possible AI manipulation with a 94% confidence rating.
This deceptive marketing tactic appears to have been effective, with numerous Facebook users expressing interest in purchasing the product after believing it was endorsed by the trusted health professional.
The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning in March 2025 specifically against the purchase and use of Clear Sight eye drops, confirming the product has not received proper authorization. The FDA emphasized that the absence of registration means the agency cannot guarantee the product’s safety, quality, or efficacy.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about unregistered pharmaceutical products being marketed through social media platforms. The FDA has repeatedly cautioned consumers against purchasing eye drops and other medications from online marketplaces without verifying their registration status through the agency’s official verification portal.
Public health experts point out that using unregistered eye medications poses significant risks, including potential contamination, incorrect ingredient concentrations, or harmful additives that could damage the delicate eye tissue or exacerbate existing conditions.
This is not an isolated incident involving Dr. Ong’s likeness being exploited without consent. Fact-checkers at Rappler have previously debunked multiple similar cases where both Dr. Willie Ong and his wife, Liza Ong, were falsely depicted as endorsing various unregistered pharmaceutical products.
The proliferation of AI-generated deepfake content presents a growing challenge for consumer protection agencies and health authorities. The technology’s improving sophistication makes it increasingly difficult for average consumers to distinguish between authentic endorsements and fraudulent ones.
Health professionals recommend that consumers always verify medication registrations through official channels and obtain eye medications only from licensed pharmacies and healthcare providers. For those experiencing eye conditions, consulting with qualified ophthalmologists rather than self-medicating based on online advertisements remains the safest approach.
Consumers who encounter suspicious pharmaceutical marketing or unregistered products are encouraged to report them to regulatory authorities to help protect vulnerable individuals from potentially harmful products.
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8 Comments
As someone who closely follows news and developments in the mining, commodities, and energy sectors, I’m deeply concerned about the implications of this deepfake case. The potential for this technology to be abused to spread misinformation or manipulate public perception is alarming. Robust safeguards and ethical guidelines must be put in place to prevent such abuses.
This is a wake-up call for the mining and energy sectors as well. If deepfake technology can be used to falsely endorse medical products, it could also potentially be used to spread misinformation about commodities, exploration, or environmental impacts. Vigilance and proactive measures are crucial.
You make an excellent point. The mining and energy industries need to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to combating the potential misuse of deepfake technology. Collaboration with tech companies, regulators, and experts will be key to developing effective countermeasures.
It’s disturbing to see how deepfake technology can be exploited to deceive the public, especially when it involves the misuse of a respected medical professional’s image. This case highlights the need for robust safeguards and ethical guidelines around the development and deployment of these advanced AI tools.
Wow, this is a very concerning case of deepfake technology being misused to mislead the public. Using a doctor’s likeness to falsely endorse an unregistered product is incredibly unethical. I hope the authorities take strong action to hold the perpetrators accountable.
As someone interested in the mining and commodities space, I’m concerned about the broader implications of this kind of deepfake fraud. If it happens in the health and medical field, it could also potentially impact how information is shared about mining, energy, and related industries. Vigilance is key.
This is a worrying development. Deepfake technology has immense potential for abuse, as this case clearly demonstrates. I hope regulators and tech companies can work together to find effective ways to combat the malicious use of these tools.
Agreed, the misuse of deepfakes is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Strict regulations and enforcement will be crucial to prevent such fraudulent activities in the future.