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.​

Kiko Pangilinan on Toni Talks: A Genius Move or Political Gamble?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

​Senator Kiko Pangilinan's recent appearance on "Toni Talks," hosted by Toni Gonzaga, exemplifies a strategic move in political communication: engaging with audiences beyond one's traditional support base. This approach mirrors tactics employed by U.S. politicians like Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg, who have participated in Fox News town halls to reach conservative viewers.​

Bridging Political Divides

In an era marked by political polarization, media consumption often occurs within echo chambers, where individuals are primarily exposed to viewpoints aligning with their own. A 2014 study by the Pew Research Center highlighted that consistent conservatives and liberals are more likely to engage with like-minded media sources, reinforcing existing beliefs. By stepping into platforms that attract diverse audiences, politicians can challenge these echo chambers and foster broader understanding.​

The Role of Media Platforms

Toni Gonzaga's "Toni Talks" has garnered attention for its in-depth and personal interviews, humanizing public figures and delving into their personal narratives. Gonzaga's approach allows guests to present themselves authentically, potentially resonating with viewers who might not share their political affiliations. This format provides a unique opportunity for politicians like Pangilinan to connect on a human level, transcending political divides.​

Strategic Outreach in Practice

The strategy of engaging with media outlets that have differing political leanings is not without precedent. In the United States, Democratic politicians have increasingly appeared on conservative platforms to reach undecided voters. A 2024 article from The Guardian noted that figures such as Pete Buttigieg and Bernie Sanders have participated in Fox News segments to present their perspectives to a broader audience. This approach aims to sway voters who might not otherwise encounter their viewpoints.​

Implications for Political Discourse

Engaging with diverse media platforms can have several implications:​

Reducing Polarization: Exposure to opposing viewpoints can challenge stereotypes and reduce political polarization.​

Broadening Support: Politicians can connect with undecided or swing voters by presenting their policies to a wider audience.​

Enhancing Credibility: Willingness to engage in potentially challenging interviews can enhance a politician's credibility and demonstrate openness.​

Conclusion

Senator Kiko Pangilinan's appearance on "Toni Talks" reflects a deliberate effort to engage with a broader segment of the Filipino populace. By participating in platforms that reach diverse audiences, politicians can bridge divides, foster understanding, and ultimately serve a more inclusive constituency.

Impeachment in Limbo? Controversial ‘Forthwith’ Debate Sparks Outrage!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Paano magiging kapani-paniwala ang impeachment kung yung mismong interpretation ng "forthwith" ay hindi sang-ayon ang iba...Halos Ikaw lang din ang nagsasalita about it aside from another Senator..Mas pinaboran ninyo kasi ang kampanya at election ng mga kasamahan mong kumakandidato...kaya kahit ano pang proseso ang gawin ninyo kung sa simula pa lang ay may questionable na, baka maging walang kwenta pa rin ang dulo at resulta dahil may bahid na agad ng alanganin from the very beginning.

Common sense..kahit sisihin mo pa ang House of Representatives na inupuan nga nila...pero bakit tayo gagaya na babagalan din natin ang aksyon ng Senado? You want us to wait for several months?

​The impeachment proceedings against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte have ignited a fervent debate over the interpretation of the term "forthwith" in the Constitution, raising concerns about the credibility and impartiality of the process. This controversy is further intensified by the political climate, with allegations that electoral campaigns are being prioritized over constitutional mandates.​

The Constitutional Mandate: Interpreting "Forthwith"

The 1987 Philippine Constitution stipulates that after the House of Representatives transmits the Articles of Impeachment, the Senate "shall forthwith proceed to trial." The term "forthwith" is commonly understood to mean "immediately" or "without delay." However, interpretations vary, with some legal experts suggesting it allows for "reasonable delay under circumstances of the case" .​

Manila Representative Joel Chua emphasized the mandatory nature of this directive, stating, "We all know that it’s stated there that the Constitution used the words ‘shall’ and ‘forthwith’. ‘Shall’ means mandatory and ‘forthwith’ means immediately" . In contrast, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino acknowledged the potential for legal challenges, noting a possible Supreme Court battle focused on the interpretation of "forthwith" .​

Political Implications and Timing

The timing of the impeachment trial has become a contentious issue, especially with the midterm elections approaching. Senate President Francis Escudero indicated that the trial would commence after Congress reconvenes on June 2, post-elections . This schedule has led to accusations that electoral campaigns are being prioritized over constitutional duties, potentially undermining the trial's credibility.​

Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel argued for an earlier start, suggesting that the trial could begin as early as March . He emphasized that the Senate, as a continuing body, has sufficient members to proceed even during the campaign period. This perspective challenges the notion that electoral activities should delay constitutional processes.​

Concerns Over Credibility and Public Trust

The differing interpretations of "forthwith" and the perceived prioritization of political campaigns have raised questions about the impeachment process's integrity. Critics argue that any delay or deviation from constitutional directives could cast doubt on the proceedings' legitimacy, leading to public skepticism.​

Former Supreme Court Justice Adolfo Azcuna highlighted the importance of adhering to constitutional language, suggesting that deviations could set a concerning precedent . The potential for a Supreme Court ruling on the matter underscores the gravity of the situation and its implications for the rule of law.​

Conclusion

The impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte serves as a critical test of the Philippines' commitment to constitutional principles and the impartiality of its political institutions. Resolving the debate over the term "forthwith" and ensuring that electoral considerations do not overshadow constitutional mandates are essential steps in maintaining public trust and upholding the integrity of the nation's democratic processes.​