Tue Jul 15 23:12:56 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Duterte Supporters Unleash AI-Powered Disinformation Campaign Amid ICC Arrest**

Manila, Philippines – Following Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March, his supporters have launched a widespread digital smear campaign against opponents, leveraging AI-generated content to spread disinformation.

This surge in disinformation comes amid growing political tensions in the Philippines, including a bitter power struggle between Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as well as the delayed impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Victims of Duterte’s war on drugs and their advocates have been targeted with AI-generated videos and fabricated narratives. Sheerah Escuerdo, whose brother was killed in the drug war, was shocked to find an AI-generated video of her slain brother circulating on Facebook, falsely claiming he was still alive and accusing her of lying.

Experts say the Duterte camp is primarily responsible for the recent surge in disinformation to discredit the ICC and demonize detractors.
Tsek.ph, a fact-checking coalition, notes that fact checks on posts about Duterte’s ICC arrest account for almost a quarter of their work. The vice president defended one such video, saying there’s “no problem sharing an AI video supporting me as long as it’s not for profit”.

The rise in AI-powered disinformation has raised concerns among Filipinos, with a recent Reuters report indicating that nearly 70% are more concerned about disinformation than ever before. While the government has launched a task force to mitigate disinformation, experts emphasize the need for ethical AI legislation to combat the misuse of technology for political gain.

Read More