Members of the Makabayan Bloc denounced the reported 58 percent public disagreement with the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte as a result of a massive fake news and disinformation campaign orchestrated by Duterte’s machinery.
House outgoing Deputy Minority Leader France Castro and Representative-elect Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers party-list called for a concerted effort to counter these falsehoods and expose the truth about Duterte’s crimes against the Filipino people.
“The supposed survey results showing that 58 percent of Filipinos disagree with Duterte’s arrest is a glaring example of how disinformation can distort public opinion. This reflects the impact of the widespread propaganda and fake news machinery that has been systematically built to whitewash Rodrigo Duterte’s crimes against humanity,” Castro said.
“These surveys are not an indication that Duterte is not responsible. Instead, it shows the long-term effects of misinformation and propaganda aimed at deceiving our fellow citizens. We must not let lies prevail,” she added.
The survey, conducted by Pulse Asia, indicated that a majority of respondents, particularly from Mindanao, disagreed with Duterte’s arrest and trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Mindanao registered an overwhelming 96 percent disagreement, underscoring Duterte’s sustained influence in his political stronghold.
However, Castro and Tinio emphasized that such sentiments do not absolve Duterte of accountability for the thousands of lives lost during his administration’s bloody war on drugs.
“It is crucial that we counter this narrative with the truth. The Duterte administration’s war on drugs claimed the lives of thousands of Filipinos—officially 6,000 according to government data, but human rights groups estimate the number to be as high as 30,000. Each one of these lives matter, and each one demands justice,” Tinio stated.
“We cannot ignore the crimes of the former President. The victims of extrajudicial killings and their families deserve justice. We must unite to fight disinformation and spread the truth,” Tinio said.
The lawmakers also highlighted the need for a widespread educational campaign to inform the public about the real impact of Duterte’s drug war and his accountability under international law. They called on progressive organizations, human rights advocates, and the Filipino people to intensify their efforts in combating fake news and amplifying the stories of victims.
“As progressive lawmakers, we will continue to stand with the victims and ensure that Duterte’s crimes will not be erased from history. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that truth and justice prevail,” Castro emphasized.
The two solons said ACT Teachers and its allies vowed to work tirelessly to expose the truth and to hold Duterte accountable for the atrocities committed during his administration. They also reiterated their call for the Filipino people to join the broader campaign for truth, justice, and accountability.
