Photo credit: Rep. Paolo Ortega

The spread of fake news about former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest has reached an embarrassing level—so much so that even the International Criminal Court (ICC) is getting caught in the crossfire. And for House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega of La Union, it’s not just frustrating—it’s a full-blown national disgrace.

“The sheer volume of disinformation is not just disturbing—it’s humiliating,” Ortega said. “Umaabot na sa puntong pati ICC, isang international tribunal, ay nadadamay sa kasinungalingan. Nakakahiya tayo sa buong mundo.”

Fake News Gone Too Far

Ortega took aim at false claims, including statements from former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, who allegedly spread misleading information about Duterte’s condition—like claims that he was missing or that the ICC was denying him medical attention.

“Many people were agitated by these misleading statements, and we must hold accountable those who are deliberately peddling fake news to manipulate public perception,” Ortega stressed. “Hindi ito simpleng usapin ng opinyon—deliberate disinformation ito na sinasadyang lituhin ang publiko.”


From Fictional Quotes to Fake Photos

It doesn’t stop there. Pro-Duterte disinformation networks have been relentlessly targeting the ICC, even dragging its Presiding Judge, Iulia Motoc, into the mess. Fake news peddlers claimed she couldn’t speak English—despite official ICC records confirming she’s fluent in five languages, including English.

Then there’s the bizarre attempt to link her to the Marcos family by misidentifying her in a photo with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

As if that weren’t ridiculous enough, Ortega also pointed out that fabricated quote cards have been making rounds online—some falsely attributing statements to world leaders like former U.S. President Donald Trump. Others even pulled in Breaking Bad’s fictional lawyer, Saul Goodman.

“These fabricated narratives are meant to stir chaos and cast doubt on legal proceedings,” Ortega warned. “It’s alarming that some people are so desperate to twist reality that they’ll even invent quotes from fictional characters. Ano na lang ang tingin sa atin ng international community?”

‘We Need Facts, Not Propaganda’

Fact-checking organizations like VERA Files have exposed that much of this fake news is being spread by pro-Duterte groups on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Some of the most viral posts even manipulated footage of protests in Argentina and Serbia to make it appear as if Filipinos were rallying for Duterte.

“The ICC’s jurisdiction over the case has been affirmed, yet the same false claims keep circulating,” Ortega said. “We need to combat this flood of fake news with facts, not propaganda.”

His call to action? Be vigilant. Verify information before sharing it.
“Sa huli, sino ang talo rito? Tayong mga Pilipino,” Ortega emphasized. “If we allow fake news to flourish, we lose our credibility as a nation. Let’s not allow disinformation to define our democracy.”