FACT CHECK: Video of Padilla supporting Marcos-Robredo tandem is AI-generated

Claim: A video shows Senator Robin Padilla expressing his support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former vice president Leni Robredo, describing them as the most suitable leaders for the country. 

Rating: FALSE 

Why we fact-checked this: The video, posted on May 24, has already received 198,000 views, 1,300 reactions, 289 comments, and 89 shares as of writing.

The video shows Padilla in front of a crowd, supposedly saying, “Ang pinaka-epektibo para mamuno sa Pilipinas ay walang iba kundi si BBM lamang at si Leni. Sila ang mga walang kamay ng corruption. Susuportahan natin sila mga idol.” 

(The most suitable leaders of the Philippines are none other than [Bongbong Marcos] and Leni [Robredo]. They are not tainted by corruption. We will support them, idols.)

The Facebook reel did not include a disclaimer stating that it was generated using artificial intelligence (AI). Many Facebook users believed that Padilla made the statement, with some accusing the senator of switching sides, while others reiterated their continued support for the Dutertes and opposition to Marcos. 

The facts: The video is AI-generated. AI detection tool Hive Moderation flagged the video as 99.9% likely to contain AI-generated content, with 99.1% probability of having AI-generated speech. 

Deepware Scanner also labelled the video as suspicious, which means that it probably contains AI-generated content. A screenshot from the video was also flagged by Sight Engine as 99% AI-generated. 

A quick online search also did not show any news report or credible government statement quoting Padilla making the exact remarks shown in the video. 

Duterte ally: Padilla’s statement in the AI-generated video contradicts his current political leanings. The senator is a staunch supporter of the Dutertes, who are in a political feud with Marcos, their former ally. 

In an interview with DWIZ last May, Padilla said he would “do everything” to defend Vice President Sara Duterte and her father, detained former president Rodrigo Duterte. The senator has previously joined a signature campaign opposing the elder Duterte’s detention at the International Criminal Court, and said he is open to being Sara Duterte’s running mate in the 2028 elections.

While Padilla has previously praised former vice president and now Naga City Mayor Robredo’s enforcement of the no-gift policy in her city, the senator has not explicitly expressed support for Robredo to lead the country, contrary to what was depicted in the AI-generated video. 

Previous fact-checks: Rappler has previously fact-checked similar AI-generated videos of public officials: 

• FACT CHECK: Video of Romualdez threatening to pin lawmakers in budget mess is AI-generated 
• FACT CHECK: Video criticizing CamSur Congressman Fuentebella is AI-generated 
• FACT CHECK: Photo of De Lima sweeping litter at Rizal Park is AI-generated 
• FACT CHECK: Video of Pampanga lawmaker admitting to receiving kickbacks is AI-manipulated 
• FACT CHECK: Post shows AI-generated ‘presidential survey’ results 
• FACT CHECK: Photo of Marcos in hospital bed is AI-generated 

– Angelee Kaye Abelinde/Rappler.com 

Angelee Kaye Abelinde is a student journalist based in Naga City, and an alumna of Rappler’s Aries Rufo Journalism Fellowship 2024. 

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