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

Hopes are high for De Lima’s release soon

Former senator Leila De Lima is escorted into a courtroom at the resumption of the hearing on her petition for bail at the Regional Trial Court in Muntinlupa City in the southern suburb of Manila on Monday, March 20. De Lima has

March 20, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: FB video MISLEADINGLY claims US, PH will sink Chinese ship

A video on Facebook (FB) claimed that the United States (U.S.) and the Philippines are planning to strike a Chinese vessel sailing on the West Philippine Sea in a “joint operation” that will involve 17,000 troops. This is misleading. The simulation drill,

March 20, 2023

Institutions

Padilla insults politicians in push for Cha-cha

In pushing for amendments to the 1987 Constitution, Sen. Robinhood Padilla is trying to promote an image of himself as a sincere legislator at the expense of politicians. Papogi, some would say of the neophyte senator who is used to the klieg

March 20, 2023

Institutions

FAKE posts on KFC ‘financial favor’ giveaway fool netizens

Multiple posts from a Facebook page claiming to be a fan page of international restaurant chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) have promised to give away “financial favors.” Filipinos are sharing and commenting on these bogus posts that direct them to a survey.

March 18, 2023

Institutions

Photo of trike under collapsed building NOT from Davao de Oro quake

A photo of a tricycle half-buried under a pile of rubble was included in a photo album, falsely passed off to show the damage caused by the recent Davao de Oro quake. The image is unrelated and nearly four years old. Posted

March 18, 2023

Institutions

Paglaban ng Palasyo sa disinformation

Step 1: Simulan sa sariling bakuran. Pakinggan ang komentaryo ni Christian Esguerra ngayong linggo: Pwede rin pakinggan sa Spotify, Apple Podcast. VERA Files followers will be treated to Christian’s sharp and insightful commentaries once a week. Christian will be drawing from

March 18, 2023

Institutions

Gusto kong mag-bike, pero … safe ba?

Naging usapin kamakailan sa loob at labas ng social media ang kaligtasan ng mga siklista na gumagamit ng bike lanes sa mga pangunahing lansangan sa bansa. Paano magiging ligtas gamitin ang bike lanes? Para sa ika-22 episode ng What The F?! Podcast,

March 18, 2023

Institutions

Marcos government unwittingly prosecutes Duterte

More than four years after it has been uttered, the statement from the ever-fluctuating Harry Roque only confirms the frail government position on the ICC case of Rodrigo Duterte. Shooting from the hips as always, Roque said then that the Duterte complaint

March 18, 2023

Institutions

‘Petron’ 7k anniversary giveaway is FAKE

Several links circulated via Facebook (FB) Messenger that redirect netizens to websites claiming Petron Corp. is giving away P7,000 for their 90th anniversary. The oil company has issued a public warning against the scam links. Since March 2, FB netizens have been

March 18, 2023

Institutions

Videos DECEPTIVELY use doctors’ vlogs to promote magnetic underwear

Four Facebook (FB) videos advertising magnetic underwear that allegedly enlarge one’s penis size illicitly used vlogs by cardiologist Willie Ong and medical doctor Krizzle Luna. There is no medical or scientific explanation to this claim. “Penile growth and development is a complex

March 18, 2023