Post-Truth or Truth’s Post-Mortem?

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by Interpol (with help from the PNP) on orders of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 11 has ignited a surge of disinformation across social media.

Supporters have framed him as a frail victim of injustice, with narratives branding his detention by the ICC as “kidnapping” despite the legal warrant issued against him. This post-truth crisis reveals a deeply entrenched network of propaganda, highlighting the potency of disinformation in shaping public perception.

The Anatomy of Disinformation

Post-truth politics, as defined by Oxford Dictionaries, describes a situation where “objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.” Scholars such as McIntyre (2018) argue that post-truth is a byproduct of political movements that prioritize narratives over facts, relying heavily on social media as an amplifier of misinformation. Duterte’s case exemplifies this phenomenon, with his supporters dismissing legitimate institutions, such as the ICC and the Supreme Court, as mere pawns in an alleged conspiracy.

Tsek.ph, a collaborative fact-checking initiative composed of 24 partners from media, academia, and civil society, has recorded over 127 misleading or fabricated posts since early February. The majority (83%) are favorable to Duterte, painting him as a victim of international injustice. This pattern follows a long-standing strategy in Philippine politics: when faced with legal challenges, manufacture outrage through social media.

Targeting the Media and the Public

A common tactic employed by pro-Duterte disinformation networks is discrediting traditional media. A widely circulated post states: “If you still get your news from GMA, ABS, PTV, TV5, Rappler, INQ, PhilStar: You’re not being informed, you are being manipulated.”

This message, copied and pasted across at least 20 Facebook pages, reinforces an “us versus them” mentality, urging Duterte supporters to rely solely on pro-Duterte propaganda channels. Studies by Wardle and Derakhshan (2017) highlight that such strategies are effective because repetition breeds familiarity, making falsehoods appear truthful through sheer exposure.

Fabricated Quotes and Synthetic Support

Disinformation networks have also employed manufactured statements attributed to international figures. Fact-checkers have debunked multiple fabricated quotes allegedly from former U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming his intent to impose trade sanctions on the Philippines if Duterte is not released.

Additionally, AI-generated content and misrepresented images have flooded social media. A viral post claimed that millions of Duterte supporters gathered in The Hague, using footage from the 2022 FIFA World Cup celebrations in Argentina. Another instance involved a manipulated image depicting fictional lawyers from television series—including Harvey Specter (Suits) and Saul Goodman (Breaking Bad)—as real legal experts supporting Duterte.

Manipulated Videos and AI-Generated Narratives

The use of deepfakes and AI-generated content in political disinformation is an emerging trend. Footage of Serbian protests from March 1 was falsely labeled as pro-Duterte rallies in Manila. Similarly, drone footage of a concert in Spain was repurposed as a supposed mass demonstration supporting Duterte’s release.

Facebook remains the main hub for these disinformation campaigns, accounting for 73% of the falsehoods spread about Duterte’s arrest. TikTok follows with 43%, a significant shift as the platform gains traction among young Filipinos.

The ‘Kidnapping’ Yarn and Impeachment Weapon

Before Duterte’s family publicly claimed that his arrest constituted “kidnapping,” a coordinated online campaign had already disseminated this claim. Philstar.com identified at least 200 Facebook accounts posting identical messages labeling the ICC’s actions as “illegal detention.” This mirrors the “copypasta” disinformation strategy, where identical messages flood social media to create the illusion of widespread sentiment.

Parallel to Duterte’s arrest, Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment has also been a focal point for disinformation. Following the House of Representatives’ overwhelming approval of impeachment charges, pro-Duterte networks falsely claimed that the Supreme Court had already nullified the proceedings. Other posts depicted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as an ally objecting to her impeachment—a complete fabrication.

Conversely, anti-Sara disinformation has also emerged. A manipulated video falsely claimed that a group of overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong had chanted for her impeachment. These narratives, whether pro- or anti-Duterte, highlight how disinformation is leveraged to manipulate public sentiment and political outcomes.

Implications and the Fight Against Post-Truth Politics

Duterte’s arrest is not merely a legal development but a case study in post-truth politics. The deliberate spread of falsehoods underscores a broader crisis where facts are no longer the primary basis for political discourse. This situation reflects global trends: from Trump’s “fake news” rhetoric to Brexit campaigns built on misinformation, democracies worldwide are grappling with the consequences of an increasingly manipulated information ecosystem.

Combating this requires a multi-pronged approach: media literacy campaigns, stronger fact-checking collaborations, and accountability for digital platforms hosting disinformation. As the September ICC hearing for Duterte looms, the battle for truth remains ongoing, with disinformation poised to escalate.

In the end, Duterte’s case presents a sobering question: Is this a post-truth world, or are we merely witnessing truth’s post-mortem?