Bong Go’s Barefoot Claim Challenged by Arnold Clavio
ARNOLD CLAVIO – The broadcast journalist questioned the truth behind Senator Bong Go’s statements regarding former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest and transfer to The Hague, Netherlands.
Go expressed deep concern, claiming that Duterte was barefoot on the plane and was not given his medicine while under the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC). He shared this during a prayer rally organized by Duterte’s supporters, emphasizing what he described as the difficult situation their former leader was facing.
However, Clavio quickly responded by sharing a photo—posted by Duterte’s own team—that showed the former president sitting comfortably on the plane wearing rubber shoes. This directly contradicted Go’s emotional claim that Duterte was barefoot. In his social media post, Clavio pointed out the inconsistency and questioned the truthfulness of Go’s statements. He also used hashtags like #labananangfakenews and #fakenews.
The issue has sparked discussions online, with Duterte’s supporters defending Go, while critics sided with Clavio, reminding the public to verify facts before believing stories. Many pointed out that emotional narratives are often used to sway public opinion, making fact-checking even more important.
Despite the controversy, Duterte’s legal case continues, with a confirmation of charges hearing at the ICC scheduled for September 23, 2025. He faces accusations of crimes against humanity due to his administration’s war on drugs, which led to thousands of deaths.
Meanwhile, Sarah Balabagan, the former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) previously linked to Arnold Clavio, holds views that contradict his.
In a social media post, Sarah expressed her support for Duterte, calling him a “great leader.” She acknowledged his flaws but emphasized that no one is perfect. Quoting John 8:7, she reminded critics that only those without sin have the right to judge others.
She also praised Duterte’s contributions to the country, saying that many Filipinos benefited from his leadership. Sarah explained that strong emotions—whether admiration or hatred—can influence how people perceive a leader. She noted that blind loyalty can make people overlook a leader’s mistakes, while hatred can prevent critics from recognizing the good things he has done.