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.”

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Impostor sites post FAKE ‘Philippine Airlines’ P168 flight promo ads

Several versions of a supposed Philippine Airlines promo offering flights for P168 have been circulating on Facebook. These are fake. Posted last March 7, multiple ads claimed that the country’s flag carrier is offering a card for six free flights worldwide at

March 12, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: NO decision to revive the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant

A YouTube video claims that the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) will now be opened. This is not true. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to study the possibility of restoring the mothballed nuclear power plant to its operating state has not yet

March 11, 2024

Institutions

The curious case of Apollo Quiboloy

A “highly respected person” to Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and a “hero” to Sen. Robinhood Padilla, but a sexual abuser, human trafficker and labor exploiter to his disaffected followers. That’s Apollo Quiboloy, the man who proclaims himself as “the appointed son

March 11, 2024

Institutions

Power companies lauding ‘environmental advantages’ of natural gas needs context

Press releases of two power companies on March 4 announced a deal for a large-scale integrated liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Batangas, emphasizing the “environmental advantages” of the fossil fuel. This needs context. STATEMENT Meralco PowerGen Corp., Aboitiz Power Corp. and

March 10, 2024

Institutions

Marcos’ claim on having left with nothing when exiled in Hawaii is false

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s assertion that they “had nothing left” as “everything was taken from [them]” when their family was flown to exile in Hawaii following the ouster of his father in February 1986 is false. STATEMENT During a sit-down interview in

March 10, 2024

Institutions

Ejercito changes mind on contempt order vs Quiboloy

Sen. Jose Victor “JV” Ejercito took back his signature in a “manifestation” opposing a contempt order seeking the arrest of Apollo Quiboloy, self-styled pastor of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ sect. STATEMENT Ejercito wrote Sen. Robinhood Padilla on March 7, informing him

March 9, 2024

Institutions

What price for obstructing justice?

Any honest-to-goodness discussion of senators protecting the embattled Apollo Quiboloy should always find its center on his wealth and riches. In a country where political power is for sale, there is no other way. Never mind Bong Go. He is always expected

March 9, 2024

Institutions

Marcos falsely claims ill-gotten wealth cases are ‘untrue,’ ‘propaganda’

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has dismissed the government’s pursuit to recover his family’s ill-gotten wealth as “propaganda” and “have been shown to be untrue.” This is false. STATEMENT In a March 4 interview with the president on Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s 7:30 program,

March 9, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: NO guilty verdict for Duterte from ICC

A video posted on YouTube claims the International Criminal Court (ICC) has found former president Rodrigo Duterte guilty and that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will help to have him arrested. This is not true. The ICC has yet to complete its probe

March 9, 2024

Institutions

Filipino women mark International Women’s Day with a protest against Cha-cha

Filipino women mark International Women’s Day with a protest against Cha-cha 1/12 Photos by Bullit Marquez for VERA Files Filipino women mark International Women’s Day with a protest against Cha-cha 2/12 Photos by Bullit Marquez for VERA Files Filipino women mark International

March 8, 2024