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A deepfake video falsely showing Congressman Zaldy Co speaking about flood control scandal has been circulating on social media, according to digital forensic analysis.
Multiple AI detection tools have flagged the viral TikTok video as synthetic content, with one analysis showing an 83% likelihood of AI generation and another detecting a 99% probability that the video is a deepfake. Both tools identified clear signs of facial manipulation consistent with AI-generated media.
The fabricated video, which has garnered over 250,000 views since being posted on November 4, shows what appears to be former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co claiming he was being “selectively prosecuted” in the ongoing flood control project controversy. In the manipulated footage, the fake Co questions why authorities are targeting him specifically when others were allegedly involved in the scandal.
Text overlaid on the video suggestively asks if Co had implicated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the corruption case.
The timing of this deepfake is particularly significant as it emerged amid genuine developments in the high-profile corruption scandal. Co, who recently resigned from his congressional position, did release a series of authentic videos between November 14-16 where he made serious allegations against top government officials.
In those confirmed statements, Co accused President Marcos and Romualdez of directing approximately P100 billion in insertions into the 2025 national budget. His most explosive claim alleged that Marcos received P25 billion in kickbacks, with Co showing photographs of luggage supposedly containing cash deliveries to officials’ residences.
The Marcos administration quickly dismissed these allegations as “hearsay,” with the President stating he would not “dignify” Co’s statements. Romualdez has maintained his “conscience remains clear” and pointed out that the accusations were not made under oath.
Days after Co’s genuine video testimonials, the Ombudsman filed graft and malversation charges against him and several officials from the public works department, along with board members of Sunwest Corporation. The case involves a P289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro that allegedly used substandard materials, causing an estimated P63 million in losses to the government.
This case represents the first known legal action related to the flood control scandal to reach the courts. It was filed less than a week after President Marcos stated that “many” individuals connected to the flood control controversy would be imprisoned “before Christmas.”
The deepfake video appears to be part of a broader pattern of misinformation surrounding Co since his involvement in the scandal became public. Fact-checkers at Rappler have identified and debunked numerous false claims about the former congressman circulating online.
Digital misinformation experts warn that the increasing sophistication of AI-generated deepfakes presents significant challenges for maintaining information integrity during politically sensitive investigations, particularly when real accusations and counter-accusations are simultaneously unfolding in public view.
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5 Comments
The viral nature of this fabricated video is concerning, but I’m glad the authorities were able to debunk it. The implications of using AI to create fake footage are quite serious, especially when it involves public figures and high-profile scandals. We’ll need to stay on top of these developments.
Kudos to the digital forensics team for quickly identifying this as AI-generated content. In an era of misinformation, it’s important that we remain vigilant and rely on credible, fact-based reporting. I wonder what other measures can be taken to address the rise of deepfakes.
Deepfake technology is certainly concerning, as it can be used to spread disinformation and mislead the public. I’m glad the authorities were able to identify this video as synthetic content. Fact-checking and digital forensics will be crucial to combating the rise of AI-generated fake media.
Interesting that this viral video was found to be AI-generated. I wonder what the motive was behind creating a fake video like this, especially with the implications of implicating public figures. It highlights the need for caution when consuming online content these days.
This is a timely reminder of the challenges we face with the increasing sophistication of AI and deepfake technology. It’s unsettling to see how easily false narratives can be fabricated and spread online. Transparency and media literacy will be key to maintaining trust in information sources.