Vlogger Claims Roque Behind Fake Video Attack on Marcos

PCI

Although the video went viral online, Cunanan claimed it did not feature President Marcos and called it fake. (Photo: House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook)

Vlogger Pebbles Cunanan has accused former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque of being behind the so-called “polvoron” video, which allegedly shows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. using drugs. During a hearing by the House Tri Committee on fake news, Cunanan testified that Roque orchestrated the release of the video to damage the President’s credibility.

Cunanan recounted a private dinner in April 2024 where Roque allegedly mentioned receiving a screenshot of the video and expressed that it could bring down the government. She also described how the video was poorly edited and enhanced with artificial intelligence to make it look more convincing.

Cunanan stated that a video was released on the day of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July 2024 to create controversy and get people talking. Although the video went viral online, Cunanan claimed it did not feature President Marcos and called it fake. She explained that the video’s poor quality and editing made it clear that it was not real.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has already labeled the video “poorly designed” and a clear attempt to spread disinformation. House Deputy Speaker David Suarez emphasized the importance of hearings like this to expose deceptive practices and the need for stronger legislation to prevent the spread of fake news.

This incident highlights the growing problem of disinformation in today’s digital world. As technology improves, it becomes easier to sway public opinion with fake videos and false information. This case also shows that we urgently need better rules to protect public figures from harmful attacks and to help the public trust the information they receive.