FACT-CHECK: Palace spokesperson did not identify mastermind behind chaos at Mendiola Bridge

Sep 27, 2025 | Fact Checked by PressOnePH

CLAIM: Undersecretary Claire Castro said former president Rodrigo Duterte was the mastermind of the chaos that happened in the “Trillion Peso March” at Mendiola Bridge.
 
RATING: FALSE

 

A YouTube video falsely claimed that the Palace press officer, Undersecretary Claire Castro, had said former president Rodrigo Duterte was the mastermind of the chaos that happened at the Trillion Peso March in Mendiola, Manila.

Flagged content: The thumbnail of the video features the photos of Duterte, Castro, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, news reporter Gary de Leon, lawyer Victor Rodriguez, and Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte.

  • The caption reads, “FPRRD ITINUTURO ni ANTE KLER na UTAK sa KAGULUHAN sa RALLY/ATTY. VIC at CONG PULONG DUTERTE SUMAGOT”
  • The overlay text on the thumbnail reads, “FRRD ITINUTURONG MASTERMIND SA NANGGULO SA RALLY. ATTY. VIC AT PULONG MAY SUPALPAL NA SAGOT. YUN NA RIN ANG INILABAS NA BALITA NG NEWS-5. “ANG NASA LIKOD NG KAGULUHAN AY MGA DDS AT SI DU30!!””

Our debunk: Castro did not accuse or mention anyone as the mastermind behind the chaos in Manila; rather, she said that true protesters fight against corruption, and that those who instigated the chaos and violence were paid and controlled by someone who wanted to replace President Marcos Jr..

  • In a press briefing, Castro warned that those who were involved in the riot would be held responsible under the law. 
  • Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte’s statement was directed at the Makabayan Bloc, known critics of the Dutertes. 
  • Hakbang ng Maisug, a peace rally movement supporting the Dutertes, released a statement through lawyer Vic Rodriguez, denying the group’s involvement in the riots. 
  • Gary de Leon, reporter of News 5, reported that the individuals who instigated chaos and violence mingled with the protesters. 

Rewind: The Trillion Peso March on Sept. 21, 2025, protested massive corruption in the government. 

  • On Sept. 22, the Philippine National Police remained on heightened alert in Metro Manila after the violence that happened in the rally. 
  • On Sept. 22, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said a Chinese-Filipino ex-politician and a lawyer were behind the violence that happened at the rally.

Why we fact-checked this: As of writing, the YouTube video has garnered 7,548 views, five comments, and 550 likes.  Daniela Angelyn Solis


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