A video circulating on YouTube claims that veteran comedian and television host Beethoven del Valle Bunagan, known as Michael V., warned the public to fear Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte more than Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2028 presidential race. This is fake.
The post published on Sept. 30 but which continues to gain views and reactions, carries this statement directly attributed to Michael V.:
“KUNG NATATAKOT SILA KAY VP INDAY SARA NA MAGING PRESIDENTE SA 2028, BAKA MAS DAPAT SILANG MATAKOT KAY MAYOR BASTE DAHIL ANG LAKAS NG AURA.
(If they are afraid of VP Inday Sara becoming president in 2028, maybe they should be more afraid of Mayor Baste because of his strong aura).”
It also pairs the composite image with the caption:
“BITOY SAID: “MAS MATAKOT KAYO KAY MAYOR BASTE” 😳
(Bitoy said: ‘Be more afraid of Mayor Baste’)!”
The graphic featured in the video placed the TV host alongside Duterte, framed beneath a 2028 political banner and the channel watermark “Lukeganz TV.”
Michael V. never made any statement, endorsement, or assessment regarding the political prospects or the “aura” of the mayor and the vice president. Records of his previous posts and interviews show no mention of either official or the 2028 presidential elections.
Throughout his career as creative director and lead star of the gag show Bubble Gang, the comedian has approached politics through satire rather than political advocacy. His past political skits involved the portrayal of “President Tuterti,” a character poking fun at former president Rodrigo Duterte’s mannerisms, as well as comedic parodies targeting government controversies and officials in authority.
Instead of delivering political talking points, Michael V.’s public activities have centered on his entertainment engagements, notably stepping in as guest host of the game show Family Feud Philippines to temporarily fill in for Dingdong Dantes.
The image of Duterte placed next to the TV host was taken from his widely publicized appearance at the Senate impeachment trial of his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, where he testified on the stand.
The two public figures were not together, nor were they engaged in any shared discussion.
The fake post surfaced a day after Baste’s testimony on Sept. 29, capitalizing on the heightened public attention from the trial.
Posted by YT channel LukeGanz TV with 53,800 subscribers and several Facebook users, the posts have so far collectively garnered 4.204 reactions, 336,000 views; 585 comments; and 1,317 shares.
