Vlogger Caught in Controversy: Arrested for Twisting Marcos’ Words
VLOGGER – Authorities arrested a vlogger for allegedly misrepresenting President Marcos’ statement, leading to controversy and legal proceedings.
A female vlogger has been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly altering a statement made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., falsely suggesting that he supported drug legalization. The arrest follows an investigation prompted by the rapid spread of the manipulated video on Facebook.
According to a GMA report on Friday, March 22, the vlogger had edited a News5 report covering Marcos’ speech during a campaign rally. The original statement from President Marcos emphasized his stance against violent solutions to the drug problem, stating: “Sa laban kontra droga at krimen, hindi natin kailangang dumaan sa madugong solusyon. Walang naniniwala na ang solusyon sa krimen at droga ay pumatay ng libu-libong kapwa Pilipino. Hindi tama ‘yun.
“Ang tamang paraan para tiyakin ang kapayapaan at kaayusan ay sa pamamagitan ng maayos na batas.”
However, the altered version of the video included an additional sentence that misrepresented Marcos’ position:
“Gumawa tayo ng paraan na gawing ‘legal’ ang droga sa ating bansa.”
The edited clip gained significant traction on social media, prompting authorities to take action. The vlogger later admitted in a video confession that she had profited from spreading false information and pleaded for the president’s forgiveness.
NBI Chief Jaime Santiago issued a strong warning against the spread of fake news, emphasizing the active cooperation of social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok in combating misinformation.
“We’re rounding them up little by little. Facebook and TikTok are cooperating with us. This is it. So here’s a warning to them: we won’t let them off the hook,” Santiago stated in Filipino.
According to the report, he also reminded the public that spreading fake news is a criminal offense.
“Some people do this just for fun. This is not a joke. There are legal consequences and you can be charged with a crime. And once you’re charged, like in this case… now they’re crying, saying they won’t do it again,” he added.
The suspect faces charges under Article 152 of the Revised Penal Code, in connection with the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. If convicted, she may face imprisonment ranging from six months to six years and a fine of up to P200,000.
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