VERA Files

VERA Files is a nonstock, nonprofit, independent media organization. Founded in March 2008, it is published by veteran Filipino journalists taking a deeper look into current Philippine issues. Vera is Latin for “true.”

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Videos of Jesus Christ appearing in the sky are FAKE

Two Facebook (FB) reels claiming that God has appeared to mankind though an image of Jesus Christ behind the clouds has gone viral two weeks ahead of Holy Week. These are fake. On March 17, an FB user published the short video

March 23, 2023

Institutions

ICC lets victims participate in appeal proceedings of drug probe, denies PH access to their identities

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has allowed alleged victims of the drug war under the Duterte administration to present their views on the government’s opposition to the resumption of the tribunal’s investigation into the bloody campaign. In a statement issued on March

March 23, 2023

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Claim on 200 Chinese militia vessels in WPS, U.S. action vs China MISLEADS

A video posted on YouTube and Facebook (FB) presented as “breaking news” footage of the alleged presence of 200 Chinese militia vessels in the West Philippine Sea and actions taken by the United States’ (U.S.) against the threat. This is misleading. The

March 23, 2023

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U.S. DID NOT donate 1,000 military tanks to the Philippines

A YouTube video falsely passed off old clips of armored fighting vehicles to claim that the United States (U.S.) gave “for free” 1,000 military tanks to the Philippines. The U.S. has made no such donation. The two-minute-17-second video posted on March 15

March 23, 2023

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USS America in Manila – VERA Files

USS America, an amphibious assault ship of the United States Navy sails into Manila on March 21 for a three-day rest and recreation for its crew after participating in a military exercise in Japan. The 1999 PH – US Visiting Forces Agreement

March 23, 2023

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Fraternities and the unlawful practice of hazing

Recent news about the death of two college students from severe injuries during initiation rites have raised questions on why fraternities continue the practice of hazing and how the law criminalizing it can have more teeth. The families of John Matthew Salilig,

March 22, 2023

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Marcos Jr.’s repeat claim that rice is now at P25 per kilo needs context

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. once again claimed that his administration is getting closer to his campaign promise of bringing down the price of rice to P20 per kilo. This needs context. In December 2022, VERA Files Fact Check debunked the same claim

March 22, 2023

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Video on China-Australia confrontation, Indonesia-PH military training MISLEADS

A video uploaded March 19 on YouTube and Facebook (FB) falsely implied that China and Australia had a military confrontation, and that Indonesian forces are training with Filipinos to prepare for war. This misleading video appeared the same day an article by

March 22, 2023

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Hopes are high for De Lima’s release soon

Former senator Leila De Lima is escorted into a courtroom at the resumption of the hearing on her petition for bail at the Regional Trial Court in Muntinlupa City in the southern suburb of Manila on Monday, March 20. De Lima has

March 20, 2023

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VERA FILES FACT CHECK: FB video MISLEADINGLY claims US, PH will sink Chinese ship

A video on Facebook (FB) claimed that the United States (U.S.) and the Philippines are planning to strike a Chinese vessel sailing on the West Philippine Sea in a “joint operation” that will involve 17,000 troops. This is misleading. The simulation drill,

March 20, 2023