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Former Senator Revilla Did Not Implicate Vice President Duterte in Flood Control Scandal, Investigation Confirms
Claims that former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. accused Vice President Sara Duterte of masterminding corruption in government flood control projects have been definitively debunked by multiple fact-checking organizations.
The false allegations emerged in late January when a YouTube channel called “Trending Pinas News” published two videos with sensationalist thumbnails featuring both Revilla and Duterte. The videos, which garnered thousands of views, carried provocative titles suggesting Revilla had “exposed” the Vice President as the mastermind behind flood control corruption.
One video falsely claimed Revilla stated, “Kung lulubog ako, damay-damay na!” (If I go down, everyone will go down with me!) while implicating Duterte in the scandal. However, comprehensive fact-checking revealed no credible evidence supporting these allegations.
Vera Files traced the origin of the claim to a fabricated graphic circulated on TikTok that illegally appropriated GMA News’ logo and branding to appear authentic. GMA News subsequently issued a warning about the falsified content, urging the public to exercise caution and refrain from spreading misinformation on social media platforms.
In Revilla’s actual public statement released via Facebook before his surrender to authorities on January 19, he addressed only his own legal situation, expressing frustration over what he described as a lack of due process in the issuance of an arrest warrant against him.
“Haharapin ko ‘to ng walang takot at alam kong hindi ako pababayaan ng Diyos dahil wala po akong kasalanan dito,” Revilla stated, which translates to “I will face this without fear and I know God will not forsake me because I am innocent.” At no point did the former senator mention Vice President Duterte or suggest her involvement in any corruption scheme.
The timing of the false claims coincided with Revilla’s surrender following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him related to a ghost flood control project in Bulacan. The former senator is currently detained at the Quezon City Jail in Payatas, facing charges of graft and malversation of funds over a P92.8-million flood control project that was allegedly never completed.
This marks Revilla’s second time facing non-bailable corruption charges. More than a decade ago, he was jailed—and later acquitted—for his alleged involvement in the country’s pork barrel scandal, a massive corruption case that implicated several lawmakers.
While the broader flood control corruption investigation has implicated various lawmakers and public works officials, including some contractors from the previous administration and even Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, a member of the Duterte family, Vice President Sara Duterte herself has not been directly connected to the controversy by any legitimate investigation or credible evidence.
The proliferation of these false claims highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in the Philippines’ digital landscape, particularly surrounding high-profile political figures and corruption allegations. Fact-checkers continue to urge social media users to verify information through multiple credible sources before sharing content that could potentially spread unfounded allegations against public officials.
As Revilla’s case progresses through the legal system, authorities have yet to reveal any connection between the flood control scandal and the Vice President, contrary to what the fabricated videos and graphics suggested.
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13 Comments
This just underscores how important it is to be critical consumers of online content. Sensational claims should always be scrutinized, no matter how widely shared. Kudos to the fact-checkers for setting the record straight.
Absolutely. We must remain vigilant against the spread of misinformation, even when it comes from seemingly credible sources.
It’s concerning to see how quickly misinformation can spread, even when it’s clearly fabricated. I’m glad the fact-checkers were able to thoroughly investigate and conclusively refute these allegations. Maintaining trust in our institutions is crucial.
Very concerning if true, but it seems this was just a fabricated claim. I’m glad the fact-checkers were able to debunk it conclusively. It’s important to be wary of sensationalized stories, especially ones that try to implicate high-level officials.
Agreed, we need to be vigilant about verifying information, especially on social media. Spreading unsubstantiated rumors can do real harm.
This is a good example of why we need to be cautious about taking online claims at face value, no matter how sensational they may be. I commend the fact-checkers for their diligent work in getting to the bottom of this issue. Responsible journalism is vital for a well-informed public.
Well said. Spreading unsubstantiated rumors, even if they generate a lot of interest, can do real harm. It’s important to rely on credible, fact-based sources.
Disappointing to see such blatantly false allegations being spread, even if they get a lot of attention online. I’m glad the facts were able to set the record straight. Responsible journalism and fact-checking are crucial.
Well said. Misinformation can be very damaging, so it’s good that credible sources were able to refute this claim.
It’s disheartening to see how easily false narratives can gain traction these days. I appreciate the diligent work of fact-checkers in getting to the bottom of this. Maintaining trust in our institutions is so important.
I’m glad to see the facts have been clarified on this issue. It’s crucial that we have reliable, unbiased sources to turn to when questionable claims emerge. Fact-checking is a vital service for maintaining an informed public.
This is a good reminder of the importance of verifying information, especially when it involves high-profile political figures. The fact-checkers have done a commendable job in debunking these allegations. We must be wary of attempts to sow division through misinformation.
Agreed. Spreading unsubstantiated claims, even if they generate a lot of attention, can have serious consequences. Fact-based reporting is essential for a healthy democracy.