Vlogger Detained for Distorting Marcos’ Statement
VLOGGER – A vlogger was arrested for allegedly manipulating President Marcos’ statement, sparking controversy and legal action.
A female vlogger has been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly altering a statement made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., falsely implying that he supported drug legalization.
The vlogger reportedly edited a News5 report covering Marcos’ speech during a campaign rally. The manipulated video quickly gained traction on Facebook, prompting authorities to launch an investigation, according to a GMA report on Friday, March 22.
In the original statement, President Marcos emphasized his stance against violent solutions to the drug problem, stating:
“Sa laban kontra droga at krimen, hindi natin kailangang dumaan sa madugong solusyon. Walang naniniwala na ang solusyon sa krimen at droga ay pumatay ng libu-libong kapwa Pilipino. Hindi tama ‘yun.
Ang tamang paraan para tiyakin ang kapayapaan at kaayusan ay sa pamamagitan ng maayos na batas.”
However, the edited version included an additional sentence that suggested support for drug legalization:
“Gumawa tayo ng paraan na gawing ‘legal’ ang droga sa ating bansa.”
The vlogger admitted in a video that she had profited from spreading false information and pleaded for the president’s forgiveness.
NBI Chief Jaime Santiago issued a stern warning against the spread of fake news, revealing that social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok are actively cooperating with authorities to combat misinformation.
“We’re rounding them up little by little. Facebook and TikTok are cooperating with us. This is it. So here’s a warning to them: we won’t let them off the hook,” Santiago stated in Filipino.
He also reminded the public that disseminating false information is a criminal offense.
“Some people do this just for fun. This is not a joke. There are legal consequences and you can be charged with a crime. And once you’re charged, like in this case… now they’re crying, saying they won’t do it again,” he added.
The suspect faces charges under Article 152 of the Revised Penal Code, in connection with the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. If convicted, she may face imprisonment ranging from six months to six years and a fine of up to P200,000.
READ ALSO: Marcoleta Wants to Summon Vlogger Who Called Him “Demonyo” and “Diablo”