INQ Fact Check: VP Leni blasts latest fake news vs LP

Screenshot of the fake news and the real news.

Vice President Leni Robredo urged the public to be vigilant and practice discernment on certain social media posts circulating the internet as she once again became the subject of a glaring fake news.

In a Twitter post Friday night, Robredo said an article that appears to be photoshopped  circulated the internet and even used the name of the local broadsheet Manila Bulletin.

Robredo said the intent of the latest fake news was to misinform the public and generate hate between innocent individuals and the netizens.

“Another attempt to mislead the public, and way too obvious where it has been coming from all along,” she said.

“Magta-tatlong taon na, patuloy pa rin ang panlilinlang dahil hindi matanggap ang pagkatalo. Let’s be more vigilant vs. rampant misinformation,” Robredo added.

Another attempt to mislead the public, and way too obvious where it has been coming from all along. Magta-tatlong taon na, patuloy pa rin ang panlilinlang dahil hindi matanggap ang pagkatalo.

Let's be more vigilant vs. rampant misinformation. pic.twitter.com/YV9mIrBgtz

— Leni Robredo (@lenirobredo) November 9, 2018

Robredo was referring to an article by the Manila Bulletin that has an original headline “Robredo asks Congress to restore law vs. early, premature campaigning,” which was distorted and disseminated by “trolls.”

The original headline was edited to become “Robredo asks Congress allow early campaign for Liberal Party only, other parties not allowed.”

The first paragraph of the story was also changed in order to support the fake headline.

The screenshot was then posted by a certain Christian Pido to a group named: Marcos Loyalist with a caption: Wow!!! Gusto ni Leni na Special treatment para sa mga animal na Liberal.

Upon verifying the post, Manila Bulletin indeed published a story about Robredo on its online platform last Wednesday, Nov. 7.

The Bulletin confirmed that it has a headline of “Robredo asks Congress to restore law vs. early, premature campaigning” and not the latter.

The publication has already issued a statement regarding the matter and has clarified that the fake story against Robredo was a hoax.

“We would like to clarify that this is a hoax and was never published on the Manila Bulletin. We ask the public to be cautious and responsible when sharing information online to prevent further confusion,” it said. /jpv