SMNI’s X account makes the false claim that 50,000 supporters were at the pro-Quiboloy rally at Liwasang Bonifacio.
CLAIM: 50,000 people were present at the pro-Quiboloy rally at Liwasang Bonifacio on March 4, 2024
RATING: FALSE
The X account of Sonshine Media Network, Inc. (SMNI) made the false claim that 50,000 supporters of their pastor, Apollo C. Quiboloy, were at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila to express support for their controversial leader.
On March 4, the SMNI X account posted:
Higit 50 libong tagasuporta ni Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy ang nakiisa sa katatapos lamang na KAKISAB Prayer Rally na ginanap sa Liwasang Bonifacio sa Maynila, nitong hapon ng Lunes, Marso 4, 2024.
To check the veracity of this claim, PressOne.PH used Mapchecking.com, a website that estimates and fact-checks the maximum number of people standing in a given area.
PressOne.PH was able to determine that Liwasang Bonifacio, which has a total area of 1,922 square meters, can only hold a maximum of 9,612 people or five people per square meter.
A photo of the pro-Quiboloy rally showed that Liwasang Bonifacio was not packed to capacity.
Manila Bulletin’s Facebook page also shared a drone video of the rally showing that the space at Liwasang Bonifacio was not filled up by Quiboloy’s supporters. Rommel F. Lopez
PressOne.PH is part of #FactsFirstPH which brings together various sectors that are committed to promoting truth in the public space, and exacting accountability on those who harm it with lies. For those interested to join the initiative, email info@factsfirst.ph
PressOne.PH believes that fact-checking is essential to combating misinformation and disinformation, and in informing and educating citizens and voters. Read more of PressOne.PH’s Fact-Checking Policy by clicking here.
The public is welcome to send feedback or requests for fact-checks at factcheck@pressone.ph.
PressOne.PH is a verified signatory of the Code of Principles of the International Fact -Checking Network at Poynter. The code of principles of the IFCN is a series of commitments organizations abide by to promote excellence in fact-checking.
If you believe PressOne.PH is violating the Code of Principles of the International Fact-Checking Network, you may submit a complaint directly to the IFCN website: https://ifcncodeofprinciples.poynter.org/complaints-policy
FACT-CHECK: Baste Duterte did not volunteer to become Defense Secretary
An X user shared a manipulated quote card that featured a made-up quote from Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte
FACT-CHECK: Catholic church building not converted into a restaurant
A Facebook user falsely claimed that a Roman Catholic church building had been turned into a restaurant.
FACT-CHECK: Interaction between lawmaker and Ong happened in House, not Senate
A Facebook “reel” falsely claimed that the interaction between Rep. Dan Fernandez and a suspected Philippine offshore gaming operator, Cassandra Ong, happened in the Senate.