Political Disinformation Fuels Marcos-Duterte Rift in Philippine Social Media Landscape
The once-unshakeable alliance between former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has fractured, unleashing a torrent of disinformation on social media platforms, particularly YouTube. The collapse of their "UniTeam" coalition, which swept them to victory in the 2022 elections, has created a fertile ground for false narratives and manipulative content aimed at polarizing the public and bolstering support for one side or the other. VERA Files Fact Check, a prominent fact-checking organization, has documented a surge in disinformation targeting both families and their allies, with a significant portion originating from YouTube videos employing emotionally charged and misleading headlines.
A key trend observed in the disinformation campaign is the portrayal of Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of the former president, as a strong and decisive leader, while simultaneously depicting Marcos Jr. as weak and vulnerable. Videos often paint Duterte as a figure who commands the respect of international leaders and the armed forces, contrasting this with narratives that question Marcos Jr.’s leadership capabilities and even suggest his potential downfall through a military coup. Such narratives feed into pre-existing biases and exploit emotional triggers to maximize engagement and virality. The use of sensationalist language and provocative headlines, a tactic known as rage-baiting, is rampant in these videos, further amplifying their reach and impact on public perception.
The proliferation of disinformation has also been linked to specific events in the political landscape, such as Duterte’s accusation that Marcos Jr. is a drug addict. This claim, made in January 2024, was subsequently amplified and distorted in various YouTube videos, with some alleging global exposure of Marcos Jr.’s supposed substance abuse. These videos contribute to a broader narrative of Marcos Jr.’s unfitness for office, while simultaneously elevating Duterte’s image as a potential successor. The timing of these disinformation campaigns suggests a calculated effort to capitalize on current events and exploit public anxieties for political gain.
Analysis of the disinformation sources reveals a pattern of coordinated behavior, with multiple YouTube channels employing similar scripts, thumbnail formats, and posting schedules. This suggests the presence of organized networks or machinery behind the spread of false narratives, although the exact nature and extent of these operations remain unclear. The financial incentives offered by YouTube’s monetization policies may also be driving some content creators to engage in disinformation, as channels with substantial subscriber bases can generate significant revenue. VERA Files Fact Check’s database indicates that the average follower count of YouTube accounts spreading disinformation is over 278,000, highlighting the potential reach and influence of these channels.
The dominance of Marcos-Duterte related content in the online sphere has effectively drowned out other voices, including those of the traditional political opposition. Fact-checks related to opposition figures, such as former Vice President Leni Robredo, have significantly decreased in 2024 compared to previous years, indicating a shift in the focus of disinformation campaigns. Interestingly, some disinformation narratives have attempted to create artificial alliances between either Marcos Jr. or Duterte and Robredo, possibly aiming to co-opt her substantial supporter base. This tactic further underscores the manipulative nature of these campaigns and their calculated attempts to reshape political alliances and public perceptions.
Experts warn that the unchecked spread of disinformation poses a significant threat to Philippine democracy, as it undermines public trust in institutions and fuels political polarization. The dominance of the Marcos and Duterte families in the online narrative also limits the space for alternative viewpoints and critical discourse. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-pronged approach, including stricter enforcement of platform policies against disinformation, media literacy initiatives to empower citizens to critically evaluate online content, and greater support for independent fact-checking organizations. Additionally, strengthening the political opposition and fostering a more diverse and inclusive online environment are crucial steps towards mitigating the harmful effects of disinformation and promoting informed democratic participation.
