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FACT CHECK

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Online post linking obstructive electric posts to Duterte MISLEADING

A viral Facebook photo passing off obstructive electric poles along a Bulacan road as a “legacy” of President Rodrigo Duterte and his political party is misleading.

On Dec. 12, Facebook page Ang Bayan Ko posted the photo and superimposed it with the text “THE DUTERTE LEGACY KALSADA NA MAY POSTE SA GITNA!” It added a caption that appeared to be sarcastic:

Thanks Tatay Digong! Ito po ang bagung bagong gawa na kalsada sa Bulacan. May poste sa gitna! Papaano na lang sa gabi at madilim? Kurakot pa more ng mga best and brightest sa administrasyon! #NoToPdpLaban2019

The obstructive electric poles are not projects of the Duterte government or his political party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban).

They are owned by the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and ended up in the middle of a road in Barangay Balatong, Pulilan, Bulacan. They have been there since 2016 after having been left untouched during a road-widening project, according to a GMA News report.

On Dec. 13, Meralco removed the obstructive poles and transferred power lines following complaints from residents and the local government, the GMA report said.

The misleading Facebook post has been shared over 1,054 times and has received 761 reactions and 534 comments.

(Editor’s Note: VERA Files has partnered with Facebook to fight the spread of disinformation. Find out more about this partnership and our methodology.)