The Salamat Dok program does not endorse the product. The misleading ad uses a clip from an episode uploaded on the ABS-CBN News YouTube channel in November 2019 to imply endorsement of Grandsure Gold.

The video fails to mention that the incident happened in 2010, not 2024. The narrator only read out a portion of the National Interest article, but omitted the opening paragraph which contained the line, “The U.S. responded by demonstrating its naval strength, notably with the surfacing of three Ohio-class submarines in 2010.” Another National Interest article dated November 27, 2023 even clarified that the missile-laden USS Michigan, USS Florida, and USS Ohio submarines surfaced in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean amid Beijing’s missile tests in the East China Sea.

Marcos has not released any orders for Duterte to resign. There is also no official announcement from Marcos’ verified Facebook page or the Office of the President about such a resignation order. Duterte also remains the current education secretary and the country’s vice president, as seen on the websites of the DepEd and Office of the Vice President. According to Sections 2 and 3 of Article XI of the 1987 Constitution, the vice president may be removed from office through impeachment. An impeachment complaint may be filed by any member of the House of Representatives. A Filipino citizen may also file a complaint, which should be endorsed by a House member.

The House of Representatives website shows that Castro is still part of its roll of members. The video also did not contain proof Castro is no longer in office, and no official sources corroborate the claim. On Wednesday, June 5, Castro even gave a privilege speech on extrajudicial killings under the former Duterte administration. Article VI, Section 16, of the Constitution explains the process for expelling a sitting House member: “Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds of all its Members, suspend or expel a Member. A penalty of suspension, when imposed, shall not exceed sixty days.”

The photos and videos showing Kanlaon Volcano spewing lava are fake, according to the Canlaon City Tourism Unit. “Canlaon is not going through this. Remain calm, our local government units are working tirelessly to help anyone in need of immediate assistance,” the local government said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, June 4. The video showing an explosive eruption and lava flow originated from the YouTube account Newsflare showing the eruption of Anak Krakatau in October 2018 in Indonesia, not of Kanlaon. Anak Krakatau is a volcanic island that emerged in 1927 from Krakatoa volcano.

Atienza refuted these claims, stating that the posts about his death were a hoax. “Aabot din tayo diyan, but not today,” Atienza said in a Facebook post on Monday, June 3. (We will get there, but not today.) The next day, June 4, Atienza even appeared in the GMA news program 24 Oras to host his segment “Kuya Kim, Ano Na?”

No official reports from government authorities, news outlets, or the KOJC’s official website have confirmed Quiboloy’s death. The TikTok video does not cite nor provide any proof to support its claim. Search efforts for the fugitive pastor, who faces arrest orders over human rights abuses, are ongoing as authorities crack down on potential hideouts, including a vast ancestral land in Kitbog, Sarangani.

Artificial intelligence detector Hugging Face flagged the image as 99% likely to be AI art while Is It AI? rated the image as 88% likely to be AI-generated. The image contains hallmarks of generative AI, including distorted letters on the ship’s name and warped dimensions of other image elements like the supposed fire cannon.

There are no announcements from both the governments of Australia and the Philippines confirming the claim. The official Facebook pages of the RAN, the Australian embassy in the Philippines, and the Philippine Navy do not have any posts announcing the transfer of HMAS Huon (II) to the Philippines. The Australian government’s website also has no reports confirming the claim. The Australian government publishes press releases of inter-government military equipment transfers on its website, like in 2015 when Australia gifted the Philippines former RAN vessels HMAS Tarakan and Brunei.

The ad used a GMA News report and manipulated it to advertise their eye treatment. In the original video, posted on the GMA Integrated News YouTube page on March 27, 2024, Son reported about passengers in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport who were stranded during the Holy Week. The ad used a clip taken from the 3:04 to 3:26 mark of the original video that shows Son doing her outro for the report. Unlike the ad, the original video doesn’t have a chyron with text that reads: “Ophthalmologist: Gagamutin ko ang iyong mga mata sa loob ng 72 oras!” (Ophthalmologist: I will cure your eyes in just 72 hours!)

The 28-minute video did not provide any proof that Marcos supposedly ordered Guo, who is suspected of being a Chinese asset, to leave the Philippines. After showing clips from the Senate hearing where Legarda grilled Guo, the video showed a clip of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque defending the Bamban mayor. Roque originally uploaded the video on his YouTube channel on May 21, 2024.

Malasakit Centers do not provide educational assistance to students. In a Facebook post on May 5, Go, the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, warned the public against social media scams that misuse his image to falsely advertise government services. “Mag-iingat po tayo sa mga kini-click na link sa social media dahil posible kayong maging biktima ng scam o ma-hijack ang inyong personal account. Huwag po tayong agad-agad na maniwala o magtiwala sa mga nakikita natin online,” he said.

Ayon na rin sa BIR, inilalathala sa official Bulletin of Vacant Positions ng Civil Service Commission ang mga bakanteng posisyon sa ahensiya. Makikita rin ang listahan sa opisyal na website ng BIR. Karamihan din sa mga posisyon ay nangangailangan ng Bachelor’s degree o ilang taon sa kaugnay na trabaho, taliwas sa sabi-sabi ng Facebook post. Maaaring mag-apply sa pamamagitan ng pag-email ng mga kinakailangang dokumento sa email address na tinukoy sa job vacancy post.

The United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation has already denied rumors of a $2-million bounty on Quiboloy’s head. The FBI’s most wanted list does not mention any monetary reward for his arrest. In 2021, a California court indicted the pastor and two affiliates for sex trafficking.

The HMS Prince of Wales remains on duty with the British Royal Navy. There are no reports from the official Facebook pages of the UK Royal Navy, British embassy in Manila, Philippine Navy, and the X (formerly Twitter) accounts of the HMS Prince of Wales and the UK Ministry of Defense, confirming the alleged donation of the aircraft carrier to the Philippines. According to a BBC report, the HMS Prince of Wales arrived in Portsmouth Harbor on March 27, 2024. The aircraft carrier arrived in her home base after leading a US Carrier Strike Group during Exercise Steadfast Defender, the largest military exercise of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) held in February.

The “made in China” ship in the video was the BRP Lake Caliraya, a decommissioned tanker intentionally sunk during the 2024 Balikatan maritime drills. The simulated attack on the vessel, which served as a mock enemy ship, was intended to strengthen the Philippines’ maritime defenses in the West Philippine Sea. The exercise was conducted on May 8 in waters off the coast of Laoag, Ilocos Norte, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces working together to sink the China-made ship. The BRP Lake Caliraya, formerly M/T Lapu-Lapu, was decommissioned in 2020.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año called for the removal of Chinese diplomats over ‘malign influence and interference operations,’ but no expulsion order has been issued

Ong does not endorse VascuHealth, and the video of Ong seemingly talking about the product is AI-manipulated. The VascuHealth ad used a clip from the 0:03 to 0:45 mark of the original video uploaded by Ong on his official account earlier, on February 23, 2024. He did not mention VascuHealth throughout the video.

The US has deployed Patriot missile systems in the Philippines for the annual Balikatan military exercises since 2022, but those are not given to the Philippine government. According to the US Department of State, major defense transfers and sales are “subject to Congressional notification and review.” Major foreign military sales formally notified to Congress are publicly announced on the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) website. The US DSCA has not issued any official document on the transfer of 20 Patriot missile systems to the Philippine government.

In a Facebook post on May 7, the DOLE - Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) clarified that the TUPAD program is neither a cash aid nor a scholarship grant program for students. Several regional offices of DOLE, including DOLE-CALABARZON, DOLE-Region VII, DOLE-Region VIII, and DOLE-Region X, also debunked the false posts and advised the public to direct their inquiries to the official and verified offices of DOLE.

MEKO A210 is a frigate design developed by German naval vessel provider ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). According to a Naval News report, TKMS unveiled the new frigate design during the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2023. Jonathan Kamerman, a senior naval advisor at TKMS, told Naval News that the company intends to offer its MEKO A210 design to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). TKMS has not issued any press release about any plans to offer its MEKO A210 to other navies aside from RAN.

The USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) is not in active service with the US Navy. A news article from the US Naval Sea Systems Command and a Facebook post from the Oklahoma City Facebook page show that the submarine was decommissioned on May 20, 2022, after more than 34 years of service.

Peke ang link, at hindi ito galing sa DSWD o anumang kagawaran ng gobyerno. Matagal nang pinabulaanan ng Rappler ang mga kahina-hinalang link para umano sa pagrerehistro sa AKAP cash assistance program ng DSWD.

Peke ang link, at hindi ito galing sa opisyal na Facebook page ng kagawaran. Sa halip na sa opisyal na website ng DSWD, nagdidirekta sa isang Blogspot site ang umano’y application link.

An Instagram post from Senator Bong Go dated April 26, 2023, shows Duterte and Quiboloy during the latter’s birthday dinner in Davao City. The two are wearing the same clothes shown in the X post. Authorities monitored the KOJC celebration for Quiboloy’s 74th birthday last month but did not report any sightings of the pastor.

The Balikatan exercises are an annual joint military training intended to enhance “military cooperation and readiness” between the Philippines and the US. According to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the 39th edition of the exercises reflects the two treaty-allies’ “respect for international law in our pursuit of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.”

The clip of the frigate shown in the YouTube video starting at the 0:27 mark was originally from a video by YouTube user Ramón Puig de Llano uploaded on the platform on January 18, 2020. In his video, Llano says he shot Cristóbal Colón’s arrival at La Coruna, a port city in Spain’s Galicia region. The official Facebook pages of the Spanish Navy, Spanish Defense Staff, the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, and the Philippine Navy do not have any announcements regarding the alleged arrival of Cristóbal Colón in the Philippines for a maritime cooperation activity.

Ong does not endorse the dubious health product. The doctor told Rappler in previous correspondence that he and his wife Liza’s only official endorsement is Birch Tree Advance, a nutritional milk formulated for seniors. Despite showing a photo of an alleged Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certificate, Eyes Blue is not among the Philippine FDA’s list of registered food and drug products.

The ship shown in the video is the TTS Port of Spain owned by the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard. The Cape-class patrol boat was made by shipbuilding company Austal based in Australia. Austal delivered TTS Port of Spain and TTS Scarborough (CG42) in May 2021. Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley commissioned the two patrol boats on November 28, 2021. There are no reports from the official Facebook pages of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago confirming that the Philippine government purchased the TTS Port of Spain.

The HMS Prince of Wales (R09) remains on duty under the British Royal Navy. The Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier returned to Portsmouth Harbor in March 2024 after leading a UK Carrier Strike Group in Exercise Steadfast Defender, the largest military exercise of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 40 years. The HMS Prince of Wales replaced its sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth for the exercise.

Hindi pa muling naglalabas ang CHED ng anunsiyo sa muling pagbubukas ng Merit Scholarship Program para sa academic year 2024–2025. Hindi kailanman inendorso ng opisyal na Facebook, website, X (formerly Twitter) account ng CHED ang naturang link. Matagal nang nagpapaalala ang CHED na mag-ingat sa accounts at pages na nagpapakalat ng pekeng application links para sa scholarship at financial assistance programs ng komisyon.

The US has moved to boost diplomatic ties with other countries concerned about China’s aggressive moves in the South China Sea amid Beijing’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. This is part of the US’ Indo-Pacific Strategy, which states that Washington will “work closely with like-minded partners to ensure that the region remains open and accessible,” in particular building support for “rules-based approaches to the maritime domain, including in the South China Sea and the East China Sea.”

While it is true that the number of Chinese tourists in 2023 is lower compared to Chinese tourist arrivals under Duterte’s term before the pandemic, the post fails to contextualize the lower figures. Before the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in 2020, the Philippines drew 1,743,309 Chinese tourists in 2019; 1,257,962 in 2018, and 968,447 in 2017 (Sasot’s post erroneously said 675,663 Chinese tourists were recorded in 2017).

Using Google reverse image search, Rappler found that the photos used in the misleading Facebook post were not from the Duterte peace rally in Tagum City. The original photos were taken from the birthday celebration concert for Senator Migz Zubiri held in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, and posted on the Facebook page “Viajero Series PH” on April 13, a day before the Tagum City rally. It was clearly stated in the caption that the aerial photos showing a massive crowd were taken during the live performance of the nine-piece OPM group Ben & Ben at the birthday concert.

The posts announcing the PCG recruitment process are fake. In a Facebook post on April 4, the PCG warned the public about unauthorized job posts online, saying that credible announcements regarding the Coast Guard’s nationwide recruitment process are made only on their official and verified Facebook page and on the Coast Guard Human Resource Management Command (CGHRMC)’s page. “Kung ibang Facebook page ang nag-post, huwag itong paniwalaan. I-report ang mga Facebook page na naglalabas ng mga fake recruitment announcements upang maiwasan ang pambibiktima sa mga kapwa aplikante online, ” the PCG added. (If the announcement came from a different Facebook page, don’t believe it. Report these Facebook pages sharing fake recruitment announcements to avoid victimizing fellow applicants online.)

There have been no reports from the US and Philippine navies about an altercation with the Chinese Coast Guard in the South China Sea

In a public advisory released on February 29, the DSWD clarified that it does not offer a program providing P10,000 assistance to senior citizens upon presentation of their senior citizen IDs. Similar posts on supposed cash gifts to senior citizens have also been previously debunked by the National Commission of Senior Citizens. The misleading video used audio from a February 2024 interview with NCSC Commissioner Reymar R. Mansilungan, but he did not mention any P10,000 one-time cash aid for senior citizen ID bearers.

DSWD refuted the claim in a post on its official and verified Facebook page on March 24. “Hindi totoo ang Facebook post na ito na ang Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ay naglalabas ng listahan para sa payout ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) sa pamamagitan ng lamang ng isang link dahil ito ay lumalabag sa Data Privacy Act of 2012,” the agency said. (The Facebook post claiming that the Department of Social Welfare and Development released a link to the payout schedule for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is false because it is a violation of the Data Privacy Act of 2012.) The supposed link in the misleading Facebook post redirects to a blog website, not the official website of the DSWD. Reacting to a similar false claim, the social welfare department earlier said that the 4Ps program does not release a payout schedule because grants are automatically credited to the cash cards of beneficiaries.

There are no official announcements or reports from the Office of the President regarding any supposed arrest order against Chinese officials. On March 25, the Department of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chinese embassy’s charge d’affaires to file a formal protest – not order an arrest – over a separate incident: the China Coast Guard’s “aggressive actions” against Philippine vessels on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal on March 23.

The clip of Ong used in the Envy Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies ad was originally from a video posted on February 22, 2023. In the original video, Ong talks about the health benefits of eating oatmeal every day. The misleading ad deleted the part where Ong referred to oatmeal, making it seem that the doctor is referring to the apple cider vinegar food supplement instead.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on March 20 that there is no truth to the claim. “DOST-PAGASA would like to inform the general public that the news circulating on the internet about the Earth experiencing three (3) days of darkness due to its passage through Photon Belts on 08 April 2024, is a hoax,” PAGASA said.

Romualdez remains House Speaker of the 19th Congress, as seen on the official website of the House of Representatives. There are also no official announcements regarding Romualdez’s expulsion from the official Facebook page of the House of Representatives. Roque cannot be appointed House speaker because he is not an elected member of Congress. According to Article VI, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution, only a duly elected member of the House of Representatives can be elected speaker. Marcos, as Philippine president, also does not have the authority to appoint or replace the House speaker, contrary to the claim in the video’s title.

Pimentel is still alive. In a video posted on Facebook on Monday, the Surigao del Sur governor addressed the false claims about his death.

The Senate can exercise its contempt power and power to arrest a witness, as provided for under the Rules of the Senate and a 2023 Supreme Court decision. Under Section 18 of the Senate Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation, the Senate can “cite in contempt any witness before the Committee who disobeys any order of the Committee,” or “refuses to be sworn or to testify or to answer a proper question by the Committee or any of its members, or “unduly refuses to appear” before the Committee.

Tulfo has not made any resignation announcements. He remains a senator and a member of the 19th Congress, as seen on the Senate’s official website. There are also no reports or official statements regarding the senator's decision to resign from either the Senate of the Philippines or Tulfo's verified Facebook page.

The application form for the supposed educational assistance is fake and not from the DSWD. In a post on its official Facebook account on March 14, the agency said it does not ask for any personal information online to apply for ‘educational assistance’ because it is prohibited under the Data Privacy Act. The DSWD also urged the public to verify the information they read online, especially if it does not come from a credible source, to avoid being victims of scams.

DepEd has previously denied the existence of the alleged allowance program. Responding to a similar claim in January, DepEd said it does not offer or implement a supposed “baon program.” The department also debunked other fake posts in an advisory on X (formerly Twitter) earlier this month. ocial pensions and cash gifts are available to senior citizens but under certain conditions. Under Republic Act 11916, which lapsed into law in 2022, only indigent seniors are eligible for a social pension. Implemented in 2024, the law doubled the monthly social pension for indigent seniors from P500 to P1,000 to support their necessities and medical expenses. Around 4 million senior citizens are expected to benefit from its implementation.

In a text message to Rappler, Landbank denied offering the cash gift and said it is not affiliated with the TikTok account that posted the claim. “We wish to clarify that this is not an official TikTok post of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK). We are NOT offering a cash gift worth P2,000.00 in connection with National Women's Month celebration,” Landbank said. It added: “We remind everyone to be vigilant against this ongoing scam circulating on Tiktok, urging women to register online in order to claim their free "cash gifts" from LANDBANK. This is fake and is in no way connected to the Bank.” Landbank also posted an advisory on its official Facebook page on March 22 warning the public about the potential scam.

The Philippines still lags behind other countries in terms of military strength. Actually, the Global Firepower Index, which the false claim cites, is not even considered credible among experts, according to a 2023 article by Business Insider. The website’s disclaimer page also says that the rankings are not “endorsed by any of its listed sources, any governing world body or military-related organization.”

A Facebook Live session on March 10 featured DSWD Traditional Media Service Director Aldrine Fermin, who addressed a fake DSWD page advertising job openings and spreading misinformation about agency programs. The DSWD issued a public advisory on March 7, disavowing the "DS WD" Facebook page, warning that it operates without authorization and disseminates misleading content. Fermin and DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez urged Meta to remove such fake pages and advised the public to rely on credible sources for information.

In a public advisory on March 10, the DSWD clarified that it has no program offering P12,000 aid to senior citizens as claimed in the video. Furthermore, only indigent senior citizens can receive a monthly social pension based on Republic Act 11916, or the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Act. Contrary to the claim, however, they will receive P1,000 monthly, not P12,000. The video featured audio from an interview with Senator Imee Marcos on Vanguard Radio Network's Balita Alas Sieto program. While Marcos talked about the social pension, there was no mention of a P12,000 monthly pension for all senior citizens.

The list of 2024 holidays in the Philippines released by Malacañang through Proclamation No. 368 does not include March 11 either as a regular holiday nor a special day. (READ: LIST: Philippine holidays in 2024) There is also no “Proclamation No. 729” released in 2024 on the Official Gazette’s website. As of writing, the most recent presidential proclamation is Proclamation No. 487.

Searching the keywords “Planetshakers in Cebu,” Rappler found that the supposed screen-grabbed photo of the crowd shows concertgoers of the worship music band, not attendees of the Duterte prayer rally. The photo was taken from aerial footage of a crowd filmed during the Planetshakers’ “Show Me Your Glory” event at SM Seaside Cebu concert grounds on February 23. The original video was uploaded as a Facebook reel on the page “Cebu ni bai” two days before the Duterte prayer rally. The author clearly states in the caption that the drone footage was taken during the Planetshakers live in Cebu event. The screen-grabbed photo in the misleading X post even showed the original video’s caption with the text “Planetshakers live in Cebu.”

The supposed news report is AI-manipulated. Sensity, a web-based tool for detecting AI, found the video “suspicious” with an 88.2% confidence level.

SSS does not offer the alleged scholarship program, the state-owned social insurance agency said in an advisory on January 18. “Walang ongoing scholarship program ang Social Security System para sa mga miyembro at benepisyaryo nito, o maging sa publiko. Huwag maniwala sa mga balita, post o private messages sa social media na nag-aalok nito,” the advisory read. (The Social Security System has no ongoing scholarship program for its members and beneficiaries, or even for the public. Do not believe the news, posts, or private messages on social media that offer this.) SSS also warned the public that these misleading posts are likely schemes that may put their personal data at risk.

Ong does not endorse the product. The misleading ad splices a video clip from Ong’s official Facebook page together with audio taken from another video uploaded on Ong’s YouTube channel to make it appear like he is discussing varicose veins and promoting the cream as a supposed treatment. The video insert of Ong seen in the misleading ad was taken from a video posted on May 7, 2023. The original video is unrelated to varicose veins and how to treat them. Instead, it shows Ong telling doctors, his colleagues, and patients not to believe fake ads that use his videos and photos. A closer look at the ad shows Ong’s mouth movements do not match the audio. The original audio came from his video on varicose veins uploaded to YouTube on August 29, 2022. Varicose Veins Cream is not on the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s list of approved drug products.

In an advisory on its official Facebook page on February 10, GCash debunked the fake notices using the company’s logo. The company also clarified that Send Money Protect is an insurance product for users to protect themselves against scammers and fake sellers, and is not a transaction refund or reversal product. It also assured online sellers that the product “cannot be used as a refund mechanism by your customers who pay through GCash Express Send.” According to the GCash help center, “Refund of items transaction with a merchant or seller depends on the decision between the customer and merchant/seller only.” Addressing the fake advisory’s warning that refunds to money senders would be taken from the recipients’ funds, GCash said that its partner insurance company, Chubb, will cover claims and payouts for those who availed themselves of the insurance policy.

Gmail is not shutting down. Google has not issued any announcement that Gmail will sunset in August 2024, and no reputable news outlet has confirmed the supposed shutdown. On February 23, Gmail indirectly addressed the false claim in a post on X, saying that “Gmail is here to stay.” According to technology news site TechCrunch, Google is only letting go of its older Gmail HTML version and transitioning users to the standard version.

There is no credible evidence that a foot detox using foot pads or foot soaks works to clear the body of toxins, and no scientific studies support the claim, according to various medical experts cited in the Mayo Clinic, USA Today, and Business Insider. In an article by Cleveland Clinic, Dr Irina Todorov, an integrative medicine specialist, explained that the discoloration of the water in foot soaks could be due to chemical reactions between impurities in the water and corroded metal rather than toxins leaving the body. Furthermore, the article highlighted the significance of lifestyle changes, such as food and exercise, for overall health and detoxification. It added that while foot baths are relaxing, they lack scientific basis for the claim that the products detoxify the body. In a 2022 Rappler fact check, Francisco V. Navarro, a medical doctor and lecturer on traditional Chinese medicine, added that although traditional medicine uses “herbal poultices, plasters, and pads…these are meant to add or apply, rather than remove [toxins].” No scientific basis: A 2008 report by National Public Radio testing whether foot pads work found no significant differences between used and unused pads, indicating that they did not perform as advertised. According to Dr. Jim Seward, an environmental health physician, pulling out toxins through the skin is not plausible because the body naturally eliminates these through various mechanisms, primarily through the kidneys and intestinal tracts. Similarly, a 2018 study from the Journal of Heavy Metal Toxicity and Diseases found that detox foot pads "did not induce the elimination of studied metals through the feet."

No reports confirm the existence of any nationwide free housing program for all Filipinos. The National Housing Authority (NHA), the government agency responsible for public housing for low-income families, also does not have a nationwide free housing program.

Tulfo was not suspended from office, and he remains a sitting senator. There are no reports or official announcements from Tulfo’s verified Facebook page or the Senate of the Philippines about any suspension order against him. The misleading video lacks any credible evidence to support its claim. It merely cited Tulfo’s proposal back in September 2023 to allocate confidential funds for the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the 2024 national budget. The video’s narrator criticized Tulfo for the proposal, pointing out that the DMW itself was not requesting confidential funds. The narrator also claimed that this was Tulfo’s thinly veiled attempt to attack Vice President Sara Duterte and her bid to request P650 million in confidential funds, which she later dropped.

The Salamat Dok program does not endorse the product. The misleading ad uses clips from the episode titled “The cataracts of Evelyn Macapobre”, which was posted on the ABS-CBN News YouTube channel on May 12, 2019. The original clip talked about the case of 61-year-old Evelyn Macapobre and her experience with getting diagnosis and treatment for cataracts. There was no mention of the supposed cataract cure. The misleading ad merely spliced together clips from the health program with other videos promoting Eyes Blue, creating the impression that Salamat Dok is talking about the product. Eyes Blue is not included in the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s list of approved drug products, despite the supposed “FDA Approved” graphic in the misleading video.

In a Facebook post on February 14, the MMDA disowned the alleged announcement, saying it did not come from them. The MMDA added that the implementation of NCAP has been suspended since 2022 due to the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court (SC). The agency also advised the public to verify directly with the MMDA any supposed announcements circulating on social media.

In an email to Rappler on Thursday, February 15, the DOLE Information and Publication Service Office said that these Facebook posts are spreading disinformation about the department’s TUPAD program. Various regional offices of the agency, such as DOLE-CALABARZON, DOLE-NCR, DOLE-MIMAROPA, and DOLE-CARAGA have also debunked the fake posts and warned the public about the unauthorized hiring of beneficiaries for the TUPAD program.

The Ongs have not endorsed the Sumifun Prostate Cream. An advertisement has been created that uses clips from their YouTube videos. One of the clips of Liza Ong appears to promote the product, but it has been edited to mislead viewers. The video starts with a short clip of the couple talking about ways to avoid prostatitis and urinary tract infections. However, there is no mention of the Sumifun Prostate Cream in that video. The second clip, taken from a video in November 2023, has been manipulated to show Liza Ong discussing the product, which is not true. The edited clip replaces the original slideshow about collagen with visuals of the product. If you look closely, you can see that Liza's mouth movements have been altered. It's important to note that the Sumifun Prostate Cream is not approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration.

Ong does not endorse the product. The clip used in the misleading ad was originally from a video posted on the official Doc Willie Ong YouTube channel last July 27, 2020. In the original video, Ong gives tips and advice on how to treat and take care of female genitals to avoid vaginal candidiasis, an infection caused by a type of fungus called candida that causes an itchy or burning sensation in the vagina, abnormal discharge, and discomfort when urinating or during sexual intercourse. Ong does not mention Herbal Itching Cream at all in the original video. Herbal Itching Cream is not included in the approved list of drug products by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration.

The DSWD does not have any program that gives immediate cash assistance to the public. In an advisory posted on February 7, the DWSD debunked the claim made in the Facebook account, saying that the post used the agency’s official logo without permission. “Do not easily believe content that does not come from credible and reliable sources,” the advisory, written in Filipino, read.

Neither Marcos nor Duterte issued any order expelling Clavio from the country. There is also no report or statement from GMA Network about the journalist’s removal from the network. The claim stems from the GMA journalist’s recent criticism on his Instagram account of former president Duterte. On January 29, Clavio said Marcos has the right to defend himself against Duterte’s accusations, adding that the former president no longer has immunity from suit.

The Pinoy MD TV show does not endorse using Ayurma Healing Oil. The ad for the product uses spliced video from the episode on carpal tunnel syndrome, which aired on December 3, 2016. The original clip discusses carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that occurs due to pressure on the median nerve, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand. The Pinoy MD video includes information on the symptoms of this condition and how to avoid it, but it does not mention anything about Ayurma Healing Oil. The ad merely added a short video with a voiceover promoting the product to make it seem like it was part of the Pinoy MD episode. Not FDA registered: Ayurma Healing Oil is not included in the list of approved food and drug products by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration.

Duterte has not made any resignation announcement. She remains the current education secretary and the country's vice president, as seen on the DepEd and Office of the Vice President websites. The misleading video did not provide evidence to back up its claim. Instead, it merely presented commentary from SMNI broadcaster Mike Abe discussing calls for Duterte to resign from the Cabinet following her family’s recent tirades against Marcos. The original video was uploaded on February 2 on Abe’s YouTube channel, Mike Abe Opinions. In a statement on January 29, Durterte said that she would not be deterred by the “attacks, black propaganda, and smear campaign” against her because she was trusted and elected by millions of Filipinos.

In a February 5 Facebook post, PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna belied the alleged promotion, saying it could be a phishing trap. (READ: Phishing 101: How to spot and avoid phishing) “No such promotion. Fake news/site. Do not fall for this phishing trap!” she wrote. Official announcements on promos are posted only on PAL’s official website and Facebook page, she added.

Ong does not endorse ZB Gout Ointment Cream. The video clip of Ong used in one of the misleading ads was originally from a December 25, 2021 video posted on his official YouTube account. In the original video, Ong offered medical advice to treat gouty arthritis, but he did not mention ZB Gout Ointment Cream. Ong also previously told Rappler in an email that Birch Tree Advance, a nutritional milk for seniors made by Century Pacific Foods, is the only product he and his wife endorse.

Heavy rain due to the trough or extension of a now-dissipated low pressure area (LPA) caused landslides and floods in the Davao Region, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Double Care Eye Brain does not cure cataracts or macular degeneration. There is no cure for macular degeneration, and surgery is the only way to remove cataracts, according to medical professionals.

GCash issued an advisory on its official Facebook page on January 31 debunking the claim and assured users that their funds were secure. GCash said its services continue to be accessible and warned the public against false information circulating on social media. On February 1, the company acknowledged that the GCash app was temporarily unavailable on Google Play Store and said it was “closely working with Google” to update its features. Later that day, GCash said the app was back on the Google Play Store. To avoid security risks, GCash advised users to download the application only from official sources such as Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Huawei App Gallery.

Francisco has earlier debunked the supposed article in a post on his official Facebook page on October 3, 2023. The article in question was not published on CNN Philippines' official website but on healthnation-asia.com. The page merely shows the logo of CNN Philippines to mimic the news site. The fake article, dated February 5, 2024, could not have been published on the CNN Philippines website as the news organization’s website and social media presence were erased following its closure on January 31. The Food and Drug Administration does not list MaxiFlex among its registered drug or cosmetic products.

The clip of Ong used in the Ayurma Healing Oil ad was originally from a video posted on February 27, 2021. In the original video, Ong talks about ways to relieve a frozen shoulder, but he didn’t mention Ayurma Healing Oil at all. Ong’s name and videos have repeatedly been used in deceptive advertisements promoting various supposed health products. In response to these ads, Ong previously told Rappler in an email that the only product he and his wife endorse is Birch Tree Advance, a nutritional milk for seniors.

A passport’s validity period is not among the criteria used by global residence and investment firm Henley & Partners to determine a country’s ranking in its Passport Index, its senior consultant Gregory James Dy confirmed to Rappler. According to its official website, the Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the total number of destinations its holders can access visa-free. For each destination, a score of 1 is given to a certain passport if no visa is required for its holders. The same score is given if passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival, a visitor’s permit, or an electronic travel authority when entering a destination. Meanwhile, a score of 0 is assigned to a passport if a visa is required or a government-approved electronic visa is needed before departure. The same applies “if passport holders need pre-departure government approval for a visa on arrival.”

Zubiri remains the Senate President, as seen on the Senate website’s roster of senators of the 19th Congress. The official Facebook accounts of Zubiri, Marcos, and the Senate have not made any official confirmation regarding the senator's alleged removal from office. Moreover, there are no reports about any move in the Senate to expel Zubiri from office.

Romualdez is still the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the current 19th Congress. No news of his possible ouster has emerged recently, as Romualdez is currently in Davos, Switzerland to lead the Philippine delegation to the 2024 World Economic Forum. Marcos has not made any statements calling for Romualdez’s replacement with Arroyo, who was removed as House deputy speaker in November.

In a phone call with Rappler on Friday, January 19, Landbank confirmed that its Gawad Patnubay Scholarship Program officially closed in 2022 to give way to the bank's new program, the Iskolar ng Landbank Program (ILP). The Gawad Patnubay Scholarship Program was an education-to-employment initiative for students specializing in the fields of agriculture and fisheries. According to Landbank, the application and screening of ILP scholars for academic year 2023-2024 has already ended. It will announce the next application cycle for academic year 2024-2025 through its official channels. Landbank advised the public to remain vigilant against scams circulating on Facebook, including fake scholarship application links.

Both the Facebook post and the link are not affiliated with the DSWD, the agency confirmed to Rappler in an email and phone call on Wednesday, January 17. In a January 17 post on its official and verified Facebook page, the DSWD clarified that it does not post online lists publicly in line with the Data Privacy Act. “Maliban pa rito, walang schedule ng payout na pinopost ang 4Ps sapagkat ang grants ay awtomatikong pumapasok sa cash card ng ating mga benepisyaryo,” the department added. (Additionally, the 4Ps program does not post a payout schedule because the grants are automatically credited to the cash cards of our beneficiaries.) The supposed link redirects to a blog website not affiliated with DSWD or 4Ps. It entails a fake payout schedule for the beneficiaries.

The video falsely misrepresents Senate Bill No. 2028, or Expanding the Coverage of the Centenarians Act, as an enacted law. In a January 13 Facebook post, National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Chairman Atty. Franklin Quijano clarified that the Senate bill has not yet been signed into law by the President. “Until President Bongbong Marcos signs it and the Department of Budget (DBM) funds it, SB 2820 will not take effect yet,” the commission wrote.

The post was made by a fake page not affiliated with UniFAST. The agency offers the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program and, contrary to the claim, does not offer educational support for elementary and high school students. In a post on its official Facebook page on January 12, UniFAST clarified that it has not yet issued a call for TES applications for academic year 2024-2025. “This will only open upon the availability of funds/slots for new grantees so please exercise caution with unofficial websites and social media pages circulating links or forms for TES applications,” the post read.

Phakhanxay Sikhanxay, director general of the Heritage Department within Laos’ Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, issued a statement on December 22, 2023, debunking the “unfounded” claim. “We have not received any information or official document from UNESCO concerning the removal of Luang Prabang from the World Heritage list,” he said, adding that UNESCO has praised the exceptional preservation efforts on the site.

The ad uses two AI-manipulated video clips of Omaga-Diaz and Ong to make it appear that they are promoting the product and the firm providing nutrition consultancy services. “This video appears to have been manipulated,” Arlene B. Burgos, head for Engagement and Partnerships of ABS-CBN News Digital, told Rappler in an email. “It definitely did not come from ABS-CBN News,” Burgos added, referring to the first part of the ad.

In a memorandum dated January 9 sent to Rappler, DepEd denied the existence of the alleged “DepEd Baon Program.” “Upon checking with existing programs, projects, and/or activities of the Department, we confirm that there is no truth that DepEd offers or implements a program called “DepEd Baon Program” which allegedly claims that we provide P5,000.000 monthly allowance to students,” the department said. DepEd, however, mentioned existing government assistance and subsidy programs for students, such as the Education Contracting Service program for junior high school learners, the Senior High School Voucher program, and the Joint Delivery Voucher program for senior high school students taking the technical-vocational livelihood track.

The post was made by a fake page. In a January 9 advisory, the Department of Health (DOH) warned the public against the page “maliciously using the Malasakit Program Office’s [name] on false loan centers.” “The said page is FAKE, and is not in any way or form affiliated with the Malasakit Center,” the DOH said.

Contrary to the claim, Kris Aquino is very much alive. On January 8, her attending nurse, Mike Alayon, shared a photograph on his Facebook account showing Aquino alongside her former partner, Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, and her son, Joshua Aquino. There are also no official news reports confirming the claim.

It’s impossible for Duterte to be appointed House speaker because he is not an elected member of Congress. Romualdez remains House Speaker of the 19th Congress, as seen on the official website of the House of Representatives. No authority: There are also no announcements from Radio Television Malacañang and the Offices of the President and Vice President about a supposed order for Duterte’s appointment. Additionally, neither the president nor the vice president of the Philippines has the authority to appoint the House speaker.

In an email to Rappler, the DSWD-Agency Operations Service confirmed that the UCT program has already ended, contrary to the claim. “Para po sa pangkalahatang impormasyon, ang UCT ay ipinatupad noong taong 2018 at nagtapos noong taong 2020 sa ilalim ng RA 10963 o TRAIN Law at ng DSWD Memorandum Circular No. 03, series of 2018 o Implementing Guidelines for the Unconditional Cash Transfer Program,” DSWD said. (For general information, the UCT was implemented in 2018 and concluded in 2020 under Republic Act 10963 or the TRAIN Law and DSWD Memorandum Circular No. 03, series of 2018, or the Implementing Guidelines for the Unconditional Cash Transfer Program.)

The Basilica de Santa Maria is giving away free “Mama Mary” necklaces from the Vatican, according to news anchors of GMA Integrated News’ 24 Oras.

Public school students in EMBO areas may wear school uniforms from either Makati or Taguig City, the Department of Education (DepEd) Taguig-Pateros said. DepEd Taguig-Pateros confirmed to Rappler on Thursday, January 4, that it did not release any memo barring students from wearing uniforms from the Makati City government.

Two Chinese vessels were indeed seen shadowing Philippine and US ships during the two-day joint maritime patrol held from January 3 to 4, but neither side engaged in any offensive action. Patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz only issued a radio challenge to the Chinese vessels but received no response. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also confirmed the shadowing and said there were no untoward incidents during the maritime activity.

Jeanette Japzon, corporate communications and digital manager at Ayala Land Inc., confirmed to Rappler in a text message that the announcement for the supposed promotion did not come from Ayala Center Cebu.

Roque is only one of four lawyers from the Philippines included in the List of Counsel qualified to practice before the ICC as of December 15, 2023. Aside from Roque, the following Filipino lawyers are part of the list: -Gilbert Andres, Executive Director of Center for International Law -Joel Butuyan, Chairperson of Center for International Law -Charles Janzen Chua, legal scholar According to the ICC website, lawyers included in the list of counsels may practice before the court as defense counsel, legal representatives for victims, duty counsel, or ad hoc counsel.

In an email to Rappler on December 27, the AFP denied the claim made in the video. “The AFP and its units did not issue or sanction the issuance of such a statement. We are a professional, non-partisan military organization that is loyal to the Chain of Command and the Constitution,” the AFP said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported in its 4 am update on January 8 that neither a low pressure area nor a tropical cyclone is being monitored within and outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

In a December 27 post, the PCG said there is no official schedule yet for its nationwide recruitment in 2024. As of January 5, the coast guard has yet to announce this year’s recruitment process and schedule. “Para sa impormasyon ng lahat, tapos na po ang NATIONWIDE RECRUITMENT ngayong 2023. Next year na po ulit! Kailan? Hintayin po natin ang susunod na update. Sa ngayon, wala pa po tayong official schedule,” PCG said in the post. (For everyone’s information, the nationwide recruitment for 2023 has concluded. There will be another one next year! When? Let us wait for the next update. There is no official schedule yet, as of now.) PCG also redirected interested applicants to its previous posts for frequently asked questions such as the qualifications, requirements, and other application details.

The clips used in the misleading TikTok video are old footage from the 2011 Japan tsunami disaster. The scenarios shown in the video are not currently happening anywhere in Japan following the magnitude 7.6 quake that struck the country on January 1. The TikTok video combines two clips sourced from the 2011 Japan tsunami. One segment aligns with footage that runs from 3:46 to 4:45 mark of a January 2020 ANN News YouTube post titled Tsunami, Great East Japan Earthquake – Miyako city, Iwate Pref, Japan [11 Mar 2011]. The second clip is taken from 0:08 to 0:10 mark of a National Geographic video titled Tsunami 101, both identified through manual video and reverse image searches.