FACT CHECK: Kara David quote card on Marcoleta bribery claims is fake

Claim: In response to Senator Rodante Marcoleta’s allegations that the media receives bribes for their coverage of the flood control scandal, broadcast journalist Kara David references her 2025 birthday wish for all corrupt people in the Philippines to die.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: As of writing, the Facebook post bearing the claim has 139 reactions and 257 comments. Rappler has found several posts across different social media platforms that share the same claim.

The quote card reads, “Hindi po kami bayaran… gusto mo yata i-wish kita eh. Nakakaperwisyo kana eh. Puro paninira yung lumalabas sa bibig mo.”

(We are not paid hacks. I think you want me make a wish for you. You’ve become an irritant. All that comes out of your mouth is slanderous.)

The statement refers to David’s viral birthday wish in 2025, where she said, “Sana mamatay lahat ng kurakot sa Pilipinas.” (I hope all the corrupt people in the Philippines die.)

The majority of comments claimed that David’s reaction was due to her guilt regarding the accusation.

The facts: On her official and verified Facebook page, David debunked the claim in a June 6 Facebook post, which said, “They added to my words, they are sharing fake news.” 

David reminded the public about the Facebook pages that spread false information: “We are all entitled to our own opinion. Pero huwag sana magkalat ng maling inpormasyon (but please don’t spread false information).”

The original statement from David comes from a June 4 caption she wrote when sharing a news update on Marcoleta’s statement that some members of the media are getting paid for preferential coverage. David only wrote, “Hindi kami bayaran.” (We are not paid hacks.)

The rest of the statement from the viral quote card cannot be found in any other recent posts from David’s official social media account.

Marcoleta’s accusation against the media: During the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on June 4, Marcoleta accused journalists covering the Senate of receiving bribes and not challenging the “new majority” bloc’s decision to postpone a hearing on the flood control corruption scandal.

In a statement, the Senate media denounced Marcoleta’s blanket accusation that journalists are “paid hacks.” Other media groups, such as the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and Facts First PH, also condemned Marcoleta’s statement.

During the press conference after the blue ribbon committee hearing on June 4, Marcoleta apologized to the members of the media, saying, “Pasensya na po kung ako’y nakapagsalita nang ganun. (I apologize if I spoke that way.) I did not mean it.”

Debunked: Rappler has already debunked manipulated quote cards from different politicians and personalities:

• FACT CHECK: Quote card of Hontiveros saying she will file ICC case vs Israel, Trump is fake
• FACT CHECK: Quote of DPWH’s Dizon threatening case vs vlogger is fabricated
• FACT CHECK: ICC did not authorize Duterte’s release, quote card is fake
• FACT CHECK: Fake quote cards expressing support for Duterte cite fictional characters

– Owenh Toledo/Rappler.com

Owenh Toledo is a graduate of Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.

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