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Facebook Post Falsely Attributes Support for Duterte to Fabricated US Senator
A recycled hoax graphic circulating on Facebook falsely claims that a United States senator has voiced support for former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte amid his detention by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
The fabricated image, which resurfaced in a March 8 Facebook post, features photos of Duterte alongside a purported American senator identified as “George Perry Floyd Jr.” from the “State of Leonida.” The fraudulent quote attributed to this fictional senator expresses personal friendship with Duterte and promises to pursue “strictly lawful means” to secure his release.
“I personally know former President Rodrigo Duterte, and he is a close friend of mine,” the fake statement reads. “When I learned that his request for interim release was denied, I can’t breathe properly due to deep disappointment and distress.”
Fact-checkers identified multiple red flags that expose the post as a complete fabrication. Most glaringly, there is no “State of Leonida” in the United States. The graphic also uses an outdated U.S. Senate seal in an apparent attempt to lend credibility to the forgery.
Perhaps most disturbing is the misappropriation of George Floyd’s name and image. Floyd was not a U.S. senator but a Black man killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020—an event that sparked nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice. Digital forensic analysis confirms that Floyd’s photo, originally published by The New York Times and credited to the “Offices of Ben Crump Law,” was manipulated for use in the fraudulent graphic.
The timing of the resurgent hoax appears deliberately calculated. The fabricated endorsement reappeared just two days after the ICC Appeals Chamber upheld a January 26 decision by Pre-Trial Chamber I ordering Duterte’s continued detention as he faces allegations of crimes against humanity. These charges stem from actions during his tenures as mayor of Davao City and as president of the Philippines.
This isn’t the first instance of fabricated international support for the former Philippine president. Fact-checkers previously debunked another falsified quote card featuring a non-existent UAE princess supposedly expressing solidarity with Duterte.
The spread of such misinformation underscores ongoing challenges in the Philippine information landscape, particularly surrounding politically divisive figures. Despite its obvious falsehoods, the fake graphic has garnered substantial engagement—approximately 27,000 reactions, 1,000 comments, and 1,000 shares.
Digital literacy experts continue to advise social media users to verify information before sharing, particularly when claims involve international figures or institutions. Key warning signs include non-existent political entities, outdated official symbols, and the misappropriation of well-known individuals’ identities.
As Duterte’s case proceeds at the ICC, the spread of such fabricated international endorsements highlights how judicial proceedings involving prominent political figures can become magnets for misinformation campaigns designed to shape public perception, regardless of factual accuracy.
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7 Comments
I’m not surprised to see this revealed as fake news. It’s concerning how easily misinformation can spread online, even involving respected institutions like the US Senate. Fact-checking is crucial to combat the proliferation of falsehoods, especially around sensitive political topics.
The use of a fictitious US senator and state is a clear giveaway that this is a fabricated story. It’s disappointing to see this kind of disinformation being circulated, as it erodes public confidence in reliable information sources. We must remain vigilant against such deceptive tactics.
I’m disappointed to see this kind of blatant disinformation being circulated. Falsely attributing a statement to a non-existent US senator is a clear attempt to mislead the public. We must remain vigilant and prioritize factual, reliable information over sensationalized or fabricated claims.
While I’m curious about the political dynamics surrounding the former Philippine president, this ‘support statement’ is clearly fabricated. Spreading misinformation, even in the form of a seemingly innocuous social media post, is unethical and counterproductive. We need to demand higher standards of truthfulness in public discourse.
This is a textbook example of fake news. The use of a non-existent US senator and state is a dead giveaway. I’m glad the fact-checkers were able to expose this forgery. We must be cautious about blindly accepting information, especially when it involves high-profile political figures. Maintaining a healthy skepticism is crucial.
Spreading misinformation, even inadvertently, can have serious consequences. I appreciate the diligent fact-checking that revealed this as a fabricated story. In an age of information overload, we must all be more discerning consumers of news and content, especially when it involves sensitive political topics.
This is clearly a fabricated story attempting to mislead the public. Spreading disinformation about a former Philippine president is irresponsible and undermines public trust. We should be wary of such blatantly false claims, especially those involving high-profile political figures.