Sotto Denies Accusations Against Dutertes in Alleged Fake Co Video Quote

Senate President Sotto Denies Making Statement About Duterte Camp and Co’s Allegations

No credible evidence exists that Senate President Tito Sotto accused former President Rodrigo Duterte’s camp of orchestrating viral videos by former congressman Zaldy Co, fact-checkers confirmed Wednesday.

A widely circulated quote card on Facebook falsely attributed statements to Sotto claiming that “Zaldy Co’s allegations are completely fabricated” and that “Duterte’s camp is behind the viral video to clear their own name.” The fabricated quote has gained significant traction online, accumulating over 33,000 reactions, 20,000 comments, and nearly 900 shares.

Verification efforts revealed no record of Sotto making such statements in news reports, Senate records, or his official social media accounts. Instead, the Senate President has maintained a measured stance, emphasizing the importance of statements made under oath.

In a November 17 interview with radio station DWIZ 882, Sotto cautioned the public against accepting unverified claims, particularly regarding Co’s explosive allegations against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

“We can’t just believe everything other people say. As I said, zero accountability, zero credibility,” Sotto remarked during the interview, highlighting the need for critical evaluation of information circulating on social media.

The fabricated quote emerged amid intensifying political tensions following Co’s three-part video series posted on Facebook between November 14-16. In these videos, the former House appropriations committee chair alleged that Marcos and Romualdez orchestrated P100 billion in insertions in the 2025 national budget and collectively received P56 billion in kickbacks.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson echoed Sotto’s position, stating that Co’s claims held “no probative value” since they weren’t made under oath. Like Sotto, Lacson made no reference to Duterte’s camp being involved in creating the controversial videos.

Malacañang has categorically denied Co’s allegations. Presidential Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro challenged the former congressman to return to the Philippines and testify under oath. “All of Zaldy Co’s claims are just fabrications; no basis, no evidence. He should first go back to the Philippines and make the statements under oath and face the lawsuits or cases against him,” Castro stated during a November 14 press briefing.

The controversy adds another layer to the ongoing political drama surrounding budget allocations and allegations of corruption. Co remains abroad and has not appeared at congressional hearings investigating the flood control controversy in which he has been implicated.

This incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in Philippine politics, particularly through manipulated content on social media platforms. Political analysts note that fabricated quotes attributed to high-ranking officials can significantly impact public perception and potentially exacerbate political divisions.

Media literacy experts emphasize the importance of verifying information before sharing it, especially during politically charged periods when misinformation tends to proliferate rapidly across social platforms.

The false attribution to Sotto serves as a reminder of the critical need for fact-checking and source verification in an era where digital manipulation of content has become increasingly sophisticated.