Philippine officials share Veo 3-generated video supporting VP Sara Duterte during impeachment
Philippine officials, including Senator Ronald dela Rosa and Vice President Sara Duterte, shared AI-generated deepfake videos depicting schoolboys and an elderly woman commenting on Duterte's ongoing impeachment trial. Presidential palace officials and opposition lawmakers criticized the officials for spreading synthetic media content without disclosure, with critics arguing such actions undermined public trust and sent problematic messages.
What happened
Allies of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte shared a viral AI-generated video featuring two deepfake schoolboys criticizing her impeachment trial as 'politically motivated' and an example of 'selective' justice.
Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who shared the video, defended his actions by saying 'Even if it's AI...I agree with the point.' Vice President Duterte stated that sharing an AI-generated video was acceptable as long as no profit was being made.
Presidential palace press officer Claire Castro criticized the politicians for sharing disinformation and fake news. A separate viral video featured an AI-generated elderly woman taking a pro-impeachment stance.
Reported impact
Kabataan Representative Raoul Manuel criticized dela Rosa and Duterte for being 'okay' with the deepfake video, arguing it sent a harmful message to young people that 'it's okay to deceive as long as you get what you want' because this is 'the mindset of thieves and criminals.'
Governance controls
Raoul Manuel called for Senator Bato to recuse himself as a judge in the impeachment trial, questioning how he could evaluate evidence in a case if he could not distinguish a fake video.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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