House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro, together with ACT Teachers Party-list Representative-elect Antonio Tinio, called out Vice President Sara Duterte as the country’s reigning “Fake News Queen” for her relentless propagation of false claims—most recently, the baseless assertion that Malacañang Usec. Claire Castro and Rep. France Castro are related by blood.
“Paulit-ulit na lang ang pagpapakalat ng kasinungalingan ni VP Sara Duterte. Walang katotohanan ang kanyang sinasabi na magkamag-anak kami ni Usec. Claire Castro. Ito ay malinaw na fake news, at para sa pangalawang pinakamataas na opisyal ng bansa, kahihiyan ito,” said Rep. France Castro.
Rep.-elect Antonio Tinio added, “This is not just a harmless slip-up. VP Sara Duterte has repeatedly shown a disturbing pattern of inventing stories and disseminating disinformation both on- and off-camera. She is the reigning ‘Fake News Queen’ of the Philippines.”
The lawmakers also condemned Vice President Duterte’s recent remarks that it is acceptable to spread artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content even if it is not true, as long as it is not for profit. “This is a dangerous and irresponsible statement from the Vice President. She is effectively legitimizing the use of fake news and disinformation in public discourse,” Castro warned.
“Kung ang mismong Pangalawang Pangulo ay walang hiya sa pagsasabi ng kasinungalingan sa harap ng kamera at ng sambayanan, paano pa natin aasahan ang kanyang sagot sa mga isyung tulad ng P612.5 milyong confidential funds na ginastos niya? Wala siyang ibang gagawin kundi magsinungaling at magpalusot upang takasan ang pananagutan,” Tinio pointed out.
Castro further emphasized, “If VP Duterte can so easily lie about something as basic as family relations and promote the spread of AI-generated disinformation, the public should be doubly wary of whatever explanations she gives to justify her questionable use of public funds. She will say anything just to escape accountability.”
“We demand nothing less than honesty, integrity, and transparency from our highest officials. The Filipino people deserve better than a ‘Fake News Queen’ in public office,” the lawmakers concluded.#
