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

When both music teachers and students inspire

The most curious thing in the music world is the student-teacher relationship. The world of the aspiring musicians almost always begins with his or her first teachers. The first impressions of teachers and students are always memorable. Cecile Licad had most

April 29, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: AI-generated ad uses Willie Ong, Manny Pacquiao for bogus health site

A fake ad on Facebook (FB) posted an artificial intelligence (AI)-edited video of cardiologist Willie Ong and former senator Manny Pacquiao, luring people into a bogus health site. The video shows Ong and Pacquiao supposedly promoting a drug called Vitaman Plus for

April 28, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: NO sale involved in agreement over WPS

A YouTube video claimed that a sale involving the West Philippine Sea (WPS) took place during the time of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte and that China has shown the public a contract to prove it. This is not true. While both Duterte and

April 27, 2024

Institutions

Agreement sa Ayungin, ano ba talaga?

Itinanggi ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na meron silang “gentlemen’s agreement” ni Xi Jinping, ang pinuno ng China, tungkol sa Ayungin Shoal. Pero inamin niya na nagkasundo sila sa “status quo” at hindi pwedeng magdala ng materyales ang Pilipinas para kumpunihin ang

April 27, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Canada’s CN Tower did NOT collapse due to an earthquake

A video on Facebook (FB) has claimed that the CN Tower, one of Canada’s most famous landmarks, collapsed due to an earthquake and showed footage of the building. This is fake. Published on April 10 by a Filipino FB user, the video

April 27, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: NO Chinese soldiers spotted in Luzon

A video on YouTube alleged that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has discovered the presence of 3,000 Chinese military personnel in the country. This is not true. On April 22, a YouTube channel published the video that bore this false

April 26, 2024

Institutions

Renato Lucas: Bach’s music is geometry of the mind

Cellist Renato Lucas. Fulfillment as performer and mentor. When cellist Renato Lucas returns at the Manila Pianos May 5 for another round of Bach suites and a sonata, he will most likely bring with him years of experience as a cellist.

April 26, 2024

Institutions

Why Rene Saguisag was only a 1-term senator

More than a noble light of human rights, he was today’s counter cultural hero. Very few can come close to the political example he had set. Even by any stretch of the imagination, Robin Padilla absolutely does not qualify. As the eulogies

April 26, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: NO attack vs China, videos used unrelated images

Several photos and video clips featuring multiple forces of the United States, Japan and Australia were shown in two YouTube videos which alleged that they were poised to attack China. The claim is misleading. The images are fake or given a false

April 25, 2024

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: AI-edited ad shows Chavit Singson promoting bogus product

An artificial intelligence (AI)-manipulated clip featuring retired Ilocos Sur politician Chavit Singson supposedly sharing the wonders of a health product that helped cure his osteoarthritis has been shared on Facebook (FB). This is fake. An FB page maliciously using the name of

April 25, 2024