Sara Duterte Unbothered by Pro-Duterte AI Clips, But Palace Calls Out Officials Over Fake Video

Vice President Sara Duterte says there’s really no issue with supporters posting AI-made videos that favor her, as long as no one’s making money out of it. She spoke up after her brother, Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte, and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa came under fire for sharing an artificial video that showed students opposing her impeachment.

For Sara, it’s simple: if someone creates an AI video to back up a personality, that’s fine, as long as it doesn’t become a business. She insists she’s not selling anything to the public, so she sees nothing wrong with it.

However, the Palace doesn’t share the same relaxed view. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro reminded government officials that spreading fake or misleading content damages public trust. She pointed out that people expect leaders to speak the truth, so pushing videos that are not genuine is a big mistake.

The video in question featured two young men voicing support for the Vice President. While the clip was marked with an AI hashtag, many viewers thought it was an actual recording. Both dela Rosa and Baste Duterte faced backlash online for reposting it without verifying its authenticity.

While the Palace applauded vigilant netizens who quickly called out the fake video, officials say more caution is needed to keep fake news from spreading further. Castro stressed that everyone should work hand in hand to fight disinformation and public figures must admit when they get things wrong.

Meanwhile, Sara Duterte criticized a marketing firm, Comm&Sense Inc, for allegedly using AI tools to churn out social media posts aimed at smearing her reputation. She wondered why the House of Representatives never questioned the firm, which she claimed is owned by a son of a known supporter of the Marcos family. She believes this shows clear harassment against opposition figures.

Even so, the Vice President has no plans to sue the company’s founder, Jaeger Tanco, saying he has already been embarrassed enough.

While AI can be useful and creative, it should never be a tool for misinformation. Fake videos confuse people and divide communities, and that’s dangerous. Public officials and ordinary netizens alike have to think twice before sharing AI content, if it’s not verified, it shouldn’t be trusted. As AI gets more powerful, we should also push for better digital literacy so everyone knows how to spot what’s real and what’s fake.

This situation is a reminder: technology evolves fast, but our sense of responsibility must keep up.

(via Philippine News Agency)