As the nation grapples with the political fallout of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment, a new controversy has emerged—not in Congress, but online. Two viral videos that seemed to capture impassioned public reactions to the impeachment turned out to be complete fabrications, brought to life by artificial intelligence.
The videos, one featuring schoolboys in uniform and the other an elderly fish vendor, quickly gained traction on social media for their emotional, on-point commentary. One digital schoolboy asks pointedly, “Why single out the VP?” while the fish vendor lambasts the Senate for allegedly shielding Duterte from justice: “You 18 senators, when it’s the poor who steal, you want them jailed. But when it’s the vice president who stole millions, you protect her.”
But there’s a twist—none of them are real.
AI in the political arena
Both videos were revealed to be AI-generated deepfakes, crafted using free or low-cost online tools, with telltale signs such as eerily perfect hair, overly smooth skin, and distorted store signage. A faint watermark from Google’s Veo video platform helped confirm their origins.
Despite the revelation, the reaction from Duterte’s camp was dismissive, even amused.
“There’s no problem with sharing an AI video in support of me,” said Vice President Duterte. “As long as it’s not being used for business, it’s fine.”
Her ally, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who had previously praised the schoolboys’ video for its “mature perspective,” doubled down. “Even if it’s AI… I agree with the point,” he said.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, the VP’s brother, also chimed in, using the video to push a political narrative: “It shows that the youth aren’t buying into the liberal agenda.”
Fabrication or free speech?
The man behind the fish vendor video, Bernard Senocip, 34, admitted to AFP that he created the eight-second clip in just five minutes using basic AI tools. In a Facebook video call, he explained his rationale.
“People want to speak their truth, but they’re scared of online backlash. AI gives them a voice without putting their face on it,” Senocip said. He added that the TikTok version of his video carried a clear “AI-created” label, although the Facebook version did not.
He also rejected the idea that the video was intended to mislead. “As long as you know your limitations and you’re not deceiving people, it’s a useful tool,” he insisted.
But the blurred line between digital expression and disinformation has sparked serious debate.
AFP fact-checkers flagged both videos, pointing out their synthetic nature and reminding users of the increasing sophistication of deepfake technology. Critics say the use of AI-generated avatars in such politically charged contexts could distort public opinion or mislead viewers who may not realize they’re watching fakes.
The impeachment backdrop
The controversy erupted just days after the Senate returned the impeachment case against Vice President Duterte to the House of Representatives, citing concerns over its constitutional basis. The charges include corruption, abuse of power, and even an alleged assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., her one-time running mate.
If convicted in a Senate trial, Duterte would be removed from office and permanently banned from public service. But with the Senate opting not to proceed, questions about accountability and political protection remain unresolved.
In this climate, the viral AI videos—despite their lack of authenticity—have found resonance, reflecting the polarized sentiments of a country divided over the future of one of its most powerful political figures.
Whether tools for advocacy or vehicles of deception, these AI-generated voices are now part of the national discourse. And as the technology becomes more accessible, the line between real and fake will only get harder to see.
One thing is clear: in today’s Philippines, the battle for public opinion is no longer just fought in the streets or on the Senate floor—it’s being waged in pixels and algorithms.