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

Marcos falsely claims he ‘has not touched’ Arelma ill-gotten wealth case since exile days

Distancing himself from the government’s long standing effort to recover the alleged ill-gotten wealth of his family, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. falsely claimed that he “has not touched” any of the cases filed against them after the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.

April 20, 2024

Institutions

Marcos government’s ‘bloodless’ drug war a lie

It was supposed to be the biggest drug haul in Philippine history—then it was not. It was supposed to be a “bloodless” drug war—it never was. When the news broke that 1.8 tons (initial estimate was 2 tons) of shabu said

April 20, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Sara DID NOT resign, video of Marcos snub SPLICED

A video circulating on YouTube and TikTok claims that Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio has resigned and that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ignored her while greeting other government officials before boarding a plane. These are not true. Duterte-Carpio remains in her post. The

April 19, 2024

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