Associated Incidents
Malacañang on Monday raised concerns over the circulation of an AI-generated video featuring digitally fabricated Filipinos voicing support for Vice President Sara Duterte against impeachment---particularly after high-ranking officials shared the content.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro criticized the video, which had been flagged as fake, noting it was shared by Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa and Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte.
She warned that sharing such false content undermines public trust, especially when it comes from people in positions of power.
"It is deeply concerning when government officials themselves share fake news or disinformation," Castro said.
She emphasized that public officials have a responsibility to verify the authenticity of what they share, especially in the age of AI-generated content mimicking real people.
When asked for comment, Dela Rosa said that whether the video was AI-generated or not, he agreed with its message. "Either way, the point is very clear and I agree with that point. I am agreeing to the message, not the messenger," he said.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte said she sees "no problem" with AI-produced videos supporting her, as long as they are not monetized.
"There's probably no problem with sharing AI videos in support of me, as long as they're not being used for commercial purposes," the Vice President said in a press conference here.
"If I create AI content to support a certain personality, there's no issue with that because I'm not turning it into a business. I'm not selling it to people," she said.
She also criticized marketing firm Comm&Sense Inc., citing an OpenAI report alleging the company used AI to create social media posts and comments attacking her.
Duterte questioned why the firm, reportedly owned by the son of billionaire Marcos supporter Eusebio Tanco, was not included in a House inquiry into online disinformation.
Editor's Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline "Palace warns officials against sharing AI-generated deepfakes."