Vice President Sara Duterte downplayed concerns over the use of artificial intelligence in political messaging, saying there’s nothing wrong with AI-generated videos made in her favor—so long as they’re not being commercialized.
“Wala namang problema siguro sa pag-share ng AI video in support sa akin basta hindi ginagawang negosyo,” Duterte told reporters on Monday, adding that producing AI content for support is not illegal if it’s not sold or monetized. “Hindi ko naman siya binebenta sa mga tao,” she added.
The statement comes after backlash over an AI-made video shared by her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. The video, which featured digitally generated youth figures voicing opposition to the Vice President’s impeachment, sparked accusations of spreading disinformation.
Malacañang, through Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, sharply criticized the act. “Ang pagsha-share ng mga katulad niyan — muli disinformation, fake news — hindi po sana nanggagaling sa mga opisyal ng pamahalaan,” Castro said in Filipino. She added that disinformation from top officials worsens public distrust.
Meanwhile, Duterte also lashed out at PR firm Comm&Sense Inc., which was flagged in an OpenAI report for allegedly using AI to create negative content against her online. The Vice President questioned why the company—reportedly tied to the son of billionaire Eusebio Tanco, a known Marcos ally—was not invited to the House probe into online disinformation.
“Ang mga kumpaniya na ang negosyo nila ay gumagamit ng program para sirain ang pangalan ng isang tao ay hindi man lang tinawag sa investigation,” Duterte said, labeling the probe selective and politically motivated.
Despite the allegations, Duterte said she has no plans to pursue legal action against Jaeger Tanco, the founder of Comm&Sense Inc. “Hindi na… sobrang napahiya na siya doon,” she remarked.
