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Claims of Batangas Lawmaker’s Removal Proven False Amid Impeachment Hearings
Representative Gerville Luistro remains in her position as Batangas 2nd District Representative despite viral claims suggesting she had been removed from office. The false information, which has garnered over 14,000 reactions and continues to spread on social media, emerged in the aftermath of House justice committee hearings on impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The misleading post, published on March 10, featured a manipulated composite image showing Duterte, Senator Rodante Marcoleta, and two doctored photos of Luistro—one depicting her crying and another showing her with stacks of cash. The caption falsely proclaimed “Luistro sinibak. VP Sara nilantad na si Mary Grace Piatos” (Luistro fired. VP Sara reveals Mary Grace Piatos).
Evidence confirming Luistro’s continued tenure is abundant. Three days after the false claim circulated, she appeared in an interview with DZMM Teleradyo, where she was formally introduced in her official capacity. Her profile also remains active on the House of Representatives’ official website, listing her as both the Batangas 2nd District representative and justice committee chairperson.
Digital forensic analysis revealed clear manipulation of the images used in the viral post. The photo supposedly showing Luistro with cash stacks was altered from an original 2023 Journal News Online photo depicting her with former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manny Bonoan at a groundbreaking ceremony for the Tingloy Circumferential Road project in Batangas. What appeared as money in the manipulated version was actually a pile of documents in the original image.
Similarly, the “crying” image of Luistro was doctored from a photograph taken during a House hearing in June 2025, where her expression was neutral.
Constitutional experts point out that members of Congress cannot be impeached under Philippine law. According to Article VI, Section 16 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, only the legislative chamber itself can “determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds of all its Members, suspend or expel a Member.” Separately, under Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), public officials convicted of corruption face “perpetual disqualification from public office.”
The timing of the false claim coincides with Luistro’s leadership of the House justice committee’s hearings on impeachment complaints against Duterte. The committee recently declared two complaints against the Vice President sufficient in substance, advancing the impeachment process.
Duterte has responded to these developments by criticizing what she termed “double standards” in the House’s handling of impeachment proceedings. She contrasted her situation with that of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., claiming that despite serious corruption allegations against him, complaints were dismissed by the same committee. She also dismissed as “unsubstantiated” allegations from her former employee, Ramil Madriaga, who claimed to have coordinated cash transfers to various individuals on her behalf.
This incident adds to a growing pattern of misinformation surrounding Philippine politics and the impeachment process, with fact-checkers repeatedly debunking similar false claims about public officials in recent months.
As the impeachment proceedings continue, political observers note the increasing polarization of public opinion, amplified by the spread of manipulated content on social media platforms.
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9 Comments
This situation serves as a reminder of the need for robust fact-checking and verification processes, particularly around sensitive political issues. I hope lessons can be learned to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Glad to see the facts confirm Gerville Luistro is still serving as Batangas Representative. It’s important to rely on official sources and not be misled by false claims circulating online.
While I’m disappointed to see this kind of misinformation targeting a public official, I’m glad the facts have been clearly established. Transparency and accountability are so important in a democracy.
This highlights the need to be cautious about unverified information, especially when it comes to political figures. I’m glad the authorities were able to quickly correct the record on Luistro’s status.
I appreciate the Disinformation Commission’s efforts to quickly address and correct the record on this false claim about Representative Luistro. Maintaining transparency and trust in government is vital.
This situation underscores the importance of fact-checking and relying on authoritative sources when it comes to political news. I’m glad the Disinformation Commission was able to set the record straight.
It’s disappointing to see misinformation spreading about an elected official, but I’m glad the truth has been established. Transparency and accountability are crucial in a healthy democracy.
I’m curious to learn more about the context behind these false claims against Representative Luistro. What could be the motivations for spreading this kind of misinformation?
It’s concerning to see manipulated images and false claims being used to discredit an elected representative. I hope this incident leads to stronger measures to combat the spread of misinformation.