A circulating graphic on Facebook shows an alleged list of pro-China officials supposedly exposed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. This is fake.
Since Aug. 7, some FB users posted the same fabricated graphic. The most recent published on Sept. 9 carried this text:
“Ako na ang magpapangalan sa mga pro-China public officials. Sagutin natin ang hamon ni BP. Kawal ng interest ng China, hindi ng Pilipinas (I will name public officials who are pro-China. Let’s take up the VP’s challenge. Protector of China’s interest, not the Philippines).”
Teodoro was also quoted in the graphic saying:
“Mag-resign na kayo! Ang tunay na paglilingkod sa bayan, hindi kailangan magtutulak sa atin sa bisig ng dayuhan (Resign! True service to the nation does not require us to be pushed into the arms of foreigners).”
Teodoro on Aug. 2 called on government officials perceived to be pro-China to resign, but he did not publicly mention any name. Following Teodoro’s remark, Duterte dared him to name the alleged pro-China officials, which Teodoro dismissed.
He only replied that the pro-China officials he was referring to were those breaching Administrative Order No. 29 (series of 2012), which officially named maritime areas on the western side of the country as the West Philippine Sea.
Instead of the fake quote in the graphic, this was Teodoro’s official statement: “If a public official cannot conform to these requisites, then the only option is to resign.”
Included in the posted image were the following politicians: the vice president, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Sen. Robinhood Padilla, and Sen. Imee Marcos.
Some FB users labeled their posts as AI-content. The graphic has a typical AI-generated style using overcrowded and blurred elements. In Duterte’s profile, her eyes appear too symmetrical, while Marcos’ wavy hair seems outlined and unnatural.
The graphic surfaced again when Teodoro slammed China for bullying, coercion, and aggression during a Sept. 9 forum in Seoul, Korea. While speaking, a note from China reiterating Beijing’s rejection of the 2016 arbitral ruling was handed to him.
A total of five FB users posted the same graphic and collectively garnered a total of 7,398 reactions; 5,241 comments; and 3,872. Three FB users turned the fabricated graphic into reels and accumulated 680,910 views.
