Risa Hontiveros Calls Out Fake News Dragging Alex Eala
RISA HONTIVEROS – Senator Risa Hontiveros has strongly denied viral claims linking her to tennis star Alex Eala, calling them completely fabricated.
Senator Risa Hontiveros firmly denied circulating claims that she sought an endorsement from Filipina tennis star Alex Eala, calling them outright false and misleading.
The controversy began after several posts, described as “Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated news,” spread online, alleging that Hontiveros had asked Eala to support her advocacy. The senator immediately addressed the issue through a Facebook post on Wednesday, April 1, where she shared screenshots of posts from personalities Jay Sonza and Malou Tiquia who had circulated the claim.
Across the screenshots, Hontiveros clearly stamped the word “KASINUNGALINGAN,” emphasizing her rejection of the narrative. In her caption, she wrote, “STOP THE LIES! Hindi ako humingi ng anumang pag-endorso ni ALEX EALA. Meta, please do something about these AI-generated posts,” directly calling on the social media platform to take action against the spread of fabricated content.
The alleged AI-generated article shared by Sonza contained dramatic claims suggesting that Eala refused a supposed request from the senator. It carried the headline, “I AM NOT A TOOL:” followed by “Alеx Еаlа Stuns Rіsа Ноntіvеrоs with Bold Neutrality!”
The post further claimed, “In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political and sporting worlds, Alеx Еаlа has officially drawn a line in the sand. When asked by Senator Rіsа Ноntіvеrоs to endorse and use her image for LGBT advocacy at upcoming international tournaments, the tennis star reportedly gave an unapologetic refusal.”
It continued with statements attributed to Eala: “Alex’s stance was ‘steady and piercing’: ‘I am an athlete, not a tool for your political agenda.’ She stressed that her professional role on the court must remain separate from political issues, regardless of the cause. Before a reaction could be formed, she delivered a 15-second statement that ended the matter with surgical precision.”
“A champion’s focus is her greatest weapon. Alex Eala just proved she is the master of her own brand.”
“RESPECT THE GAME. RESPECT THE BOUNDARY,” the post concluded.
Meanwhile, while Tiquia’s verified Facebook page does not show the post, she did reshare a related claim on her verified X account on March 31 with the brief caption, “This.”
Hontiveros’ swift response highlights growing concerns over the spread of AI-generated misinformation online, especially involving public figures.
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