The Disinformation Crisis Challenging Philippine Democracy

The Philippines faces what analysts call a stark political paradox: an administration that rose to power through strategic disinformation is now attempting to combat similar tactics from opposition forces. This contradiction highlights deeper challenges to democracy in the digital age.

For nearly a decade, the Philippines has functioned as “patient zero” in global debates surrounding digital manipulation, disinformation campaigns, and their effects on democratic institutions. The administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte systematically institutionalized disinformation tactics during his tenure, creating a pathway for the Marcos family’s return to political prominence in 2022 through an alliance with Duterte’s daughter, Sara.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. secured his victory largely through sophisticated social media campaigns that effectively rewrote his family’s controversial history. His campaign utilized vlogging and various digital manipulation strategies that proved instrumental to the success of the Marcos-Duterte alliance.

However, this political partnership has fractured dramatically in recent months. Rodrigo Duterte now faces potential prosecution at the International Criminal Court, while the Philippine Senate debates impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. This public split has ignited an intensely polarizing political battle between the two factions, with repercussions clearly visible in the recent 2025 senatorial election results.

Despite controlling state resources and governmental mechanisms, the Marcos administration may be underestimating the influence of pro-Duterte digital operations. For years, researchers, journalists, NGOs, and fact-checkers have struggled unsuccessfully to counter the Duterte disinformation network. The Marcos government has now pivoted to using legal means to address the issue.

In February 2025, the House of Representatives summoned 40 pro-Duterte bloggers to hearings focused on “fake news,” resulting in the removal of several social media accounts. Police operations have intensified amid growing concerns about the application of the country’s Cyber Libel law, which carries penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment. Additionally, controversial preacher and Duterte ally Apollo Quiboloy was arrested, his media network SMNI had its license revoked, and its Facebook pages were taken down for allegedly promoting hatred.

Throughout recent electoral campaigns, the Marcos administration has repeatedly attempted to connect Chinese disinformation efforts to the Duterte opposition. Prior to election day, the presidential spokesperson urged voters not to “sell the country by becoming a keyboard warrior whose only goal is to spread fake news.”

The Marcos administration faces two fundamental challenges: content appeal and legitimacy. The potential ICC arrest of Rodrigo Duterte provides compelling narrative material for his supporters and generates significant online engagement. At a recent Duterte-led opposition rally in Manila, his younger daughter Kitty delivered an emotional address, with supporters carrying banners stating “Bring Him Home.” The highly choreographed event portrayed the former president as a victim and even incorporated religious imagery comparing him to a Jesus-like figure who would rise again.

By contrast, the Marcos administration’s senatorial campaign events focused primarily on policy initiatives and economic improvements—a strategy that has historically proven ineffective against emotional narratives and disinformation. The administration’s previous campaign messaging of “good vibes and toxic positivity,” as described by sociologist Nicole Curato, appears hollow as the country enters a period of intensified political polarization. The defection of Imee Marcos, the president’s sister, to the Duterte camp further undermines narratives of unity.

The legitimacy problem stems from the Marcos administration’s own history with media manipulation. During his 2022 campaign, Marcos Jr. avoided public debates and interviews with professional journalists, instead cultivating relationships with amateur social media vloggers and paid content creators. Reports suggest that public relations professionals receive commissions for convincing influencers to switch allegiance from Duterte to Marcos.

While social media crackdowns against right-wing critics may appear justified to pro-democracy advocates, these tactics create narratives of persecution and could potentially be used against pro-democracy groups in the future, similar to developments in neighboring Indonesia.

There are some encouraging signs for political reformers. Two liberal progressive senatorial candidates performed unexpectedly well in the recent midterms, suggesting possible shifts in the political landscape. The broader concern remains what type of leadership will emerge from this environment of digital media manipulation, sometimes referred to as an “infodemic.”

Many Filipinos who experienced Rodrigo Duterte’s violent administration view the potential return of the Dutertes to power as deeply concerning. The question remains how far citizens are willing to support an administration built on disinformation that is now using legal mechanisms to prevent the Dutertes’ potential return to power.