House Issues Warning About Fake Image Involving Romualdez
FAKE – The House of Representatives has issued a warning about a manipulated photo circulating on social media, showing House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other lawmakers seated at a table with stacks of money.
The photo, which the House labeled as “fake news,” was shared in a Facebook post on Thursday, February 6, by the HOR Fact-Check. The post showed a digitally altered image featuring Speaker Romualdez, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe, and TESDA Director Kiko Benitez, with the caption, “After impeachment… If the price is right everything is alright.”
To clarify, the HOR Fact-Check also posted the original, unaltered photo of the meeting, where the lawmakers could be seen discussing matters without any cash on the table. The House strongly emphasized that the manipulated image was a malicious attempt to mislead the public. They pointed out that the actual meeting was cordial and productive, with no fabricated narratives involved.
The HOR urged the public to be cautious and discerning when consuming information online, warning that the spread of misinformation is a threat to democracy and good governance. They highlighted how fake news erodes trust, manipulates public opinion, and distracts from real issues that affect the nation. The House called for a collective effort to combat fake news by verifying information before sharing it, thinking critically, and upholding integrity in cyberspace.
This statement from the House followed the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, which was signed by 215 lawmakers. The HOR’s call serves as a reminder to the public about the importance of verifying information and being vigilant against those who distort reality for their own agendas.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte addressed the public for the first time since her impeachment by the House of Representatives on February 5, 2025. In a press briefing on February 7, Duterte briefly stated, “God save the Philippines,” in response to the impeachment. Despite the political upheaval, she expressed gratitude to her supporters and urged the public to remain hopeful, stating, “Manalig kayo dahil sa taumbayan ang tagumpay.”