Father-Faker? Duterte Slammed for Spreading Fake News—Will His Senate Bets Survive?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

​In the lead-up to the 2025 Philippine midterm elections, the political landscape is intensifying with sharp exchanges and allegations of misinformation. Former President Rodrigo Duterte has come under fire from Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega, who labeled him a "father-faker" for allegedly disseminating fake news to bolster his Senate slate's campaign. This accusation follows Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin's remark, describing Duterte as a "one-man fake news factory" after Duterte suggested that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was steering towards dictatorship. ​

Ortega expressed concerns that the spread of misinformation and disinformation might escalate as the election season progresses, especially since many of Duterte's endorsed candidates are trailing in surveys. He emphasized the need for these candidates to present concrete platforms rather than resorting to sensationalism. ​

The political tension between the Duterte and Marcos camps has been palpable. In a recent rally, Duterte made a controversial remark suggesting that 15 senators should be killed in a bombing to create vacancies for his party's candidates. This statement led to a criminal complaint for inciting violence and sedition, filed by police Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III. Duterte's party, however, claimed the comment was a joke intended to energize the rally. 

Adding to the complexity, Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president's daughter, is undergoing an impeachment trial over alleged threats against President Marcos and his associates. She has petitioned the Supreme Court to invalidate her impeachment and prevent a Senate trial, arguing that the process was procedurally flawed and constitutionally invalid. 

The midterm elections are shaping up to be a proxy battle between the Marcos and Duterte dynasties. The outcome could significantly influence the political landscape ahead of the 2028 presidential race, determining alliances and power structures within the government. ​

As the campaign unfolds, the proliferation of misinformation remains a pressing concern. Observers and stakeholders are calling for a focus on substantive policy discussions to ensure that voters are well-informed and that the democratic process is upheld.​

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