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A video claiming to show a “People Power Revolution” in the Philippines against corrupt politicians has been debunked as an AI-generated fabrication, despite garnering over 100,000 views on TikTok.
The viral clip, which has amassed 4,583 likes, 436 comments, and 1,707 shares, depicts a massive crowd holding banners with slogans like “wakasan ang korapsyon” (end corruption) and “hustisya” (justice). Many viewers appeared convinced by the footage, with one top comment declaring, “People power na pababain si BBM, resign na BBM” (It’s People Power already, bring down BBM, BBM resign) — referring to current Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
However, analysis using SightEngine, an AI detection tool, revealed the video is almost certainly artificial. The tool gave the footage a 99% likelihood of being AI-generated, with multiple indicators pointing to diffusion-based AI creation. A comprehensive reverse image search further confirmed no frames from the video match any documented protests in the Philippines this year.
While the Philippines has indeed experienced significant anti-corruption demonstrations in 2025, including major protests on September 21, the viral TikTok footage does not represent any of these genuine events. The September protests brought together thousands of students, workers, church leaders, and civil society groups to denounce alleged corruption in government flood control projects.
Corruption in flood control initiatives remains a pressing national issue in the Philippines, with multiple agencies expanding investigations into questionable public works contracts. The issue gained national prominence after President Marcos Jr. specifically condemned substandard and “ghost” flood-control projects during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.
Several government bodies are actively investigating these multi-billion-peso anomalies, including the Office of the Ombudsman, Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure. The DPWH has already filed complaints with the Ombudsman regarding five allegedly anomalous projects in Bulacan province.
The DOJ has initiated preliminary investigations into complaints implicating several prominent political figures, including Senators Chiz Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva, and former lawmaker Zaldy Co. However, three months into these investigations, no arrests have been made despite mounting testimonies and formal complaints.
The controversy surrounding flood control corruption is expected to intensify as the Senate prepares to resume its own investigation into the matter. The fabricated video appears designed to capitalize on genuine public frustration with corruption allegations that continue to plague Philippine politics.
This incident highlights the growing challenge of synthetic media in the Philippine political landscape, where AI-generated content can rapidly spread misinformation through social media platforms. As detection tools improve, the ability to identify such fabricated content becomes increasingly important for maintaining factual public discourse around genuine political developments and controversies.
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12 Comments
This is concerning. We need to be vigilant about the spread of AI-generated misinformation, even on social media platforms. Fact-checking and verifying the authenticity of viral content is crucial to prevent the manipulation of public opinion.
Agreed. Using AI detection tools like SightEngine is a smart approach to identify fabricated content. It’s important we stay informed and don’t blindly believe everything we see online, especially when it comes to sensitive political issues.
It’s disappointing to see a video claiming to show a ‘People Power’ protest being revealed as AI-generated. Fabricated content like this can undermine legitimate grassroots movements and erode public trust. Robust fact-checking is essential.
Absolutely. Spreading misinformation, even inadvertently, can have real consequences. We must be vigilant and rely on credible sources when it comes to reporting on social and political events.
The use of AI to create fabricated protest footage is a concerning trend. While technology can be a powerful tool, it can also be abused to spread disinformation. We must remain vigilant and rely on credible sources to ensure we are not being misled.
I agree. The ability of AI to generate realistic-looking content is both impressive and alarming. It’s critical that we develop robust methods to detect and counter the spread of such fabricated information, especially when it comes to sensitive political and social issues.
While the Philippines has indeed experienced significant anti-corruption demonstrations, this viral TikTok video appears to be an AI-generated fabrication. It’s crucial that we scrutinize online content and not blindly accept everything we see, especially on social media.
You raise a good point. It’s worrying to see how easily AI-generated content can spread and potentially influence public perception, even around important political issues. Fact-checking is vital to maintain integrity and trust in information sharing.
This is a good example of why we need to be cautious about the information we consume online, especially on social media. While AI-generated content can be convincing, it’s important to verify the authenticity of viral videos and other media before sharing or believing them.
Absolutely. The proliferation of AI-generated content is a growing concern, as it can be used to manipulate public opinion and undermine trust in legitimate sources of information. Fact-checking and media literacy are essential skills in the digital age.
The revelation that this viral TikTok video is an AI-generated fabrication is a stark reminder of the need for critical thinking and fact-checking when it comes to online content. We must be vigilant and not let our emotions or biases cloud our judgment, especially on sensitive political issues.
Well said. Maintaining a healthy skepticism towards seemingly convincing online content is crucial in the age of AI and disinformation. It’s important that we continue to develop and utilize effective tools to detect and counter the spread of fabricated media.