FACT-CHECK: Facebook ad promotes fake investment project

CLAIM: Manuel “Manny” Pangilinan has launched a new investment project that can make investors earn up to ₱ 229,000 a week.

RATING: FALSE

A Facebook advertisement falsely claimed that Manuel “Manny” Pangilinan had opened an investment opportunity that guarantees a payout of ₱229,000 per week.

Flagged content: The advertisement, paid for by a Facebook account “Lean & Mean,” used a manipulated video that claimed Pangilinan had launched an investment project open to all Filipinos.

• The post was captioned, “Hurry up — just a few places remain! This project is set to transform the entire system.”
• The video shows an overlay text that reads, “IF YOU INVEST P14,350 TODAY — YOU COULD EARN ₱ 229,000 A WEEK.” 

Our debunk: No official statement or interview has shown Pangilinan or any company under him proposing or offering an investment project that guarantees a weekly payout of ₱229,000.

• Checks with the websites of Pangilinan-led companies, such as PLDT and Metro Pacific Investment Corp., found no such investment schemes. 
• Pangilinan’s video was fabricated from an interview conducted five years ago with BusinessWorld, a business newspaper that he owns and controls. 

Rewind: Pangilinan is the president and chief executive officer of several businesses, including PLDT, Metro Pacific, Meralco, and Maynilad.

• Pangilinan is also the chairman of MediaQuest Holdings Inc., which owns media entities, including TV5, BusinessWorld, and The Philippine Star. 
• In 2013, Forbes listed Pangilinan among the Philippines’ top 50 richest by net worth.

Why we fact-checked this:  As of writing, the post has drawn 4,600 reactions and 113 shares. 

• This is similar to a previously fact-checked incident in March, in which an ABS-CBN news anchor was used for deepfaked videos.  

Spot the fake: Verify the claim of investment schemes by checking official business websites and social media accounts for announcements or press releases.

• Better yet, check whether the business or investment is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
• Be aware that legitimate news websites may be impersonated by scammers. Check with official news sites if such investment products exist. Rhei Hernandez

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