Manipulative political narratives amplified on social media are seeking to shape public opinion and undermine trust in the 2025 Philippine midterm election outcomes, according to a new report by the Sigla Research Center.
Why it matters: Researchers warn that disinformation networks are deliberately crafting emotional, divisive storylines to destabilize administrations and influence electoral outcomes — repeating patterns from the Marcos and Duterte eras.
False victimhood returns: Sigla’s study highlights a resurgence of the “false victimhood” tactic, where political figures cast themselves as persecuted underdogs to deflect criticism.
- The “Marcos Campaign Makeover” sought to reframe history to soften the image of the Marcos family.
- In 2025, Vice President Sara Duterte accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of betrayal and called for his resignation — a move seen as part of a broader influence campaign.
- When the International Criminal Court (ICC) ordered ex-president Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest, his daughter Kitty Duterte described it as “kidnapping.” Supporters organized prayer rallies, portraying Duterte as the true victim despite his strongman record.
“Imported justice” narrative: Supporters of the Duterte family framed the ICC’s warrant as a sovereignty issue, branding it “imported justice.”
- They argued that only local courts have jurisdiction, fueling nationalist sentiment.
- Sara Duterte echoed the message with the slogan, “We are not Filipinos for nothing.”
- Allies like Harry Roque questioned the ICC’s legitimacy, while overseas influencer Claire “Maharlika” Contreras spread anti-Marcos disinformation and nationalist propaganda.
- The same narrative drove gendered attacks against lawyer Kristina Conti and the ICC’s all-female panel, using patriotism to mask misogyny and deflect accountability.
Drug use smear campaign: Pro-Duterte influencers revived long-debunked drug-use accusations against Marcos Jr. — echoing Duterte’s 2016 playbook.
- A viral “polvoron video” implied drug use, bolstered by AI-generated clips, parody jingles, and memes.
- Despite fact-checks disproving the claim, the narrative persisted — showing how AI can supercharge influence operations.
- Analysts said the campaign eroded confidence in Marcos’s leadership and illustrated how AI-driven disinformation could dominate future elections.
“Puppet government” frame: Another recurring theme cast the Marcos administration as a “puppet regime” controlled by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
- Online narratives labeled Araneta-Marcos “Lizatanas” (Liza + satanas) and “snake woman,” suggesting she orchestrated internal feuds.
- Posts claimed Romualdez’s alleged moves against Sara Duterte revealed a fragile and manipulated presidency.
- These claims bolstered the messaging of Duterte loyalists that only their brand of strongman leadership ensures stability.
The big picture: Sigla researchers warn that these orchestrated narratives blur the lines between truth and partisanship, embedding propaganda in everyday online discourse.
- “Disinformation is no longer about facts versus lies — it’s about emotional control and identity politics,” the report said.
- Unchecked, they add, such influence operations could shape not only the 2025 midterms but also the 2028 national elections, where early power blocs are already emerging.
What’s next: Analysts urge policymakers, journalists, and civil society to:
- Strengthen media literacy programs nationwide.
- Demand platform accountability for algorithmic amplification.
- Support independent fact-checking to disrupt coordinated disinformation campaigns.
- “Without structural reforms,” the Sigla report concludes, “Philippine democracy will remain vulnerable to those who weaponize truth itself.” Jamaica Cabilis
