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

Apollo Quiboloy takes back support for Marcos, asks him to resign

After supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his candidacy for the 2022 presidential election, pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) sect now calls for his resignation. STATEMENT Quiboloy, who faces sex-trafficking allegations, addressed his critics in an uploaded

February 26, 2024

Institutions

After 38 years, the spirit of EDSA lives on

Slogans and placards at the rally showed strong opposition to attempts to change the Constitution that was passed in 1987 following the 1986 restoration of democracy in the country. 1/10 Photo by Bullit Marquez for VERA Files Slogans and placards at the

February 25, 2024

Institutions

A ssireum wrestler keeps a community together in K-drama

What to watch? Choosing between Song Kang’s “My Demon” or Jang Dong-yoon’s “Like Flowers in Sand” was easy. It was a quick pass on the latter because I thought its vibe was run-of-the-mill drama compared to the former’s aura reminiscent of American

February 25, 2024

Institutions

Is it possible under Philippine, international laws and UN process?

In a media briefing on Jan. 30, former president Rodrigo Duterte raised the idea of Mindanao seceding from the Philippines, saying that local political forces would be regrouping in Davao to establish a movement for Mindanao independence. “There’s a process in that,

February 25, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Marcos, Senate did NOT tag Romualdez as wanted individual

A YouTube video is claiming that House Speaker Martin Romualdez has been tagged as a wanted individual by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Senate after he was alleged to be the mastermind behind the controversial charter change initiatives. This is not

February 24, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Romualdez NOT sentenced to life imprisonment

Two videos on YouTube are erroneously claiming that House Speaker Martin Romualdez has been sent to prison. This is not true. There are no pending criminal cases filed against Romualdez to warrant any detention. On Feb. 19, these videos appeared and one

February 24, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: New Zealand DID NOT gift Philippine Navy a warship

A YouTube video claims that New Zealand recently handed over its warship HMNZS Aotearoa to the Philippines. This is false. Posted on Feb. 14, the eight-minute and eight-second video’s headline read: “Nakatanggap muli ang Philippine Navy ng Super Power Warship mula sa

February 24, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: China did NOT bomb Scarborough

A YouTube video claimed that China bombed Scarborough Shoal. This is not true. The photo of the explosion used in the video was taken during a naval drill in 2013, and not in Scarborough, which is also called Bajo de Masinloc. The

February 23, 2024

Institutions

People Power sa lente ni Bullit

The 1986 People Power is one of the shining moments of the Filipinos’ struggle for genuine democracy. We are reposting photojournalist Bullit Marquez’ recollection of that momentous event. The article was first published in February 2023. Source link

February 23, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT SHEET: Ano ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging nasa ‘gray list’ ng FATF?

Ang mga Pilipino sa ibang bansa ay maaaring magbayad ng mas malaki pa para makapagpadala ng pera sa kanilang mga pamilya sa Pilipinas at ang pera ng ibang bansa na papasok sa Pilipinas ay maaaring bumagsag kung hindi pagbutihin ng gobyerno ang

February 23, 2024