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: Video revives FALSE claim on Tulfo’s ouster from the Senate

After a survey showed Sen. Raffy Tulfo holding a narrow lead as the top presidential contender for the 2028 national election, a video on YouTube revived the spurious claim that the lawmaker has been expelled from the Senate. On April 15, a

April 19, 2024

Institutions

German envoy expresses concerns over escalating tensions in the West PH Sea

German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke (center) with David Klebs, German Embassy Manila economic counsellor (left) and Mathias Kruse, deputy head of mission. Germany is urging all parties involved in the South China Sea situation to “refrain from using

April 19, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Part of circulating clip shows Chile wildfires, NOT Iran’s attack on Israel

A clip supposedly showing roaring fire engulfing areas in Israel after Iran’s retaliatory airstrikes on April 14 has been posted as a Facebook (FB) reel. This is misleading as the first part of the video shows wildfires in Chile early this year.

April 18, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Japan DID NOT declare war on China over WPS row

Japan has not declared war against China nor did it conduct a military operation to drive away Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), contrary to a claim in a YouTube video. Uploaded on April 14, three days after a trilateral

April 18, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Philippine Coast Guard warns against FAKE recruitment calls on FB

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) warned the public against fake recruitment calls after posts on Facebook carrying the bogus announcement promising a monthly salary of P43,800 spread and deceived many netizens. “Huwag magpaloko sa mga fake account. Mag-ingat po sa mga kumakalat

April 18, 2024

Institutions

Germany urges PH to cooperate with, rejoin ICC

The German government is “encouraging” the Philippines to cooperate with and rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC) In a press briefing on Germany’s priority areas, projects and initiatives in the Philippines, which includes human rights, German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Michael

April 17, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: SATIRICAL post on Duterte-Carpio’s alleged discharge from AFP spreads on FB

A post on X (formerly Twitter) about the supposed dishonorable discharge of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has been reshared on Facebook (FB). This is a satire. The post claimed that an AFP spokesperson said

April 17, 2024

Institutions

Duterte seesaws again on calling Marcos a ‘drug addict’

In less than two months, former president Rodrigo Duterte went from denying that he described President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as a “drug addict” to claiming he was the first to call the chief executive that. STATEMENT In an April 11 press conference

April 17, 2024

Institutions

When bullies agree, is it a gentleman’s agreement?

Former president Rodrigo Duterte has admitted shaking hands with China’s President Xi Jinping and agreeing to maintain the status quo in the West Philippine Sea but denied conceding anything to China in a secret gentleman’s agreement. “Kung may agreement man kami ni

April 16, 2024

Institutions

Marcos falsely claims Cavite-Bataan bridge is world’s second longest

After a meeting with Metro Manila local government officials to discuss traffic concerns, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told the media that the upcoming 32.15-kilometer Cavite-Bataan Interlink Bridge will be the second longest in the world. This is false. (Read VERA FILES FACT

April 16, 2024