Authorities announced on Monday their commitment to identifying the individuals responsible for creating and disseminating a viral video allegedly showing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. using drugs. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. condemned the video as a fabrication aimed at destabilizing the government.
Teodoro denounced the footage in an ABS-CBN News report, which was reportedly shown at a Maisug convention in Los Angeles, as clearly fake. “Kitang-kita po dito sa video na hindi po yan ang ating Pangulo. Peke po ang gawa nila na video, at obvious po na ito ay gawa-gawa lamang,” he stated, asserting the video’s inauthenticity.
Teodoro highlighted the timing of the video’s release, noting it coincided with false rumors of generals walking out of a command conference. “Maliwanag sa akin… meron pong matinding plano na i-destabilize ang ating gobyerno,” he said, indicating a serious plot against the government.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of National Defense are collaborating with other agencies to hold those responsible accountable. Teodoro also urged US authorities to investigate the matter.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) labeled the video as a “deepfake,” warning of potential legal consequences for those behind it. DICT Secretary Ivan Uy emphasized that more deepfake videos might emerge as election season approaches.
The Department of Justice stressed that spreading false information is illegal under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code. “The Department of Justice is committed to upholding the law and will take all necessary actions to identify and prosecute those responsible for this deceitful act,” it said.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos instructed the national police to form a task force to identify the video’s creators and distributors. Police BGen. Matthew Baccay stated, “If they will be proven to be liable under RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act)… ang penalty is minimum of 4 years maximum of 8.”
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon also condemned the video, with Gadon criticizing those behind it as “bitter people who were not appointed.”
Former President Rodrigo Duterte stated that the Hakbang ng Maisug leadership was unaware of the video’s presentation, attributing it to volunteers. However, he suggested that President Marcos undergo a hair follicle drug test to dispel any doubts about drug use, a method previously used against Sen. Leila De Lima during Duterte’s administration.