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

She lied on her 55th birthday

Last year on her 93rd birthday on July 2, Imelda Marcos was feted to a birthday party at the presidential palace where she once spun fairy tales for twenty years. It was a mere two days after her son had formally re-conquered

July 1, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: MALI ang impormasyong makakukuha ng P100,000 ang mga 80 taon ang edad

(Editor’s Note: Unang inilathala ang fact-check na ito sa Ingles noong June 19.) Ayon sa ilang Facebook (FB) post, ang mga Pilipinong nag-80th birthday ay may makukuha na cash gift. Hindi ito totoo. Pinost ng FB page na Pinas Update ang video

July 1, 2023

Institutions

‘Mahal sa Pilipinas’: One year of Marcos presidency

YT Video Members of militant groups marked the first year of the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presidency with a rally denouncing what they described as his indifference to the plight of ordinary Filipinos. They denounced the Maharlika Investment Fund, his frequent foreign trips

June 30, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: HINDI namimigay ng ayuda si Sen. Robin Padilla at DSWD

(Editor’s Note: Unang inilathala ang fact-check na ito sa Ingles noong June 19.) Nagpakalat ang isang netizen ng pekeng anunsyong nagsasabi na tumatanggap ng aplikasyon ang opisina ng senador at ng departamento para sa P3,000 na ayuda sa mahihirap. Sabi sa Facebook

June 30, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: FAKE SM Megamall FB page posts ad for unregistered toothpaste

A Facebook (FB) page posing as SM Megamall uploaded a video promoting an unregistered niacinamide toothpaste. “P1/araw – Magpaalam sa madilaw na ngipin, masamang hininga na dulot ng tabako, kape at food plaque na may Niacinamide toothpaste (P1 a day – Say

June 29, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Video predicting ‘July catastrophe’ in Leyte NOT TRUE

A video erroneously claiming a cataclysmic event will strike Leyte and nearby towns with a series of volcanic eruptions triggering tsunamis was posted on Facebook (FB). The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) debunked this. The video, published by a netizen on June

June 29, 2023

Institutions

When clay meets fire: The ceramic magic of Jon Pettyjohn

Steps is Jon Pettyjohn’s third solo ceramics exhibition at the Silverlens Galleries, running until 8 July 2023. In this exhibit, the artist’s pursuit of individual expression comes to the fore in the context of working with clay and its traditions for over

June 24, 2023

Institutions

Makabago o makag_gong Senado? – VERA Files

Ano na ba ang decorum sa Senado? Panoorin: Have you seen any dubious claims, photos, memes, or online posts that you want us to verify? Fill out this reader request form or send it to VERA, the truth bot on

June 24, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: WHO did NOT say COVID-19 vaccines cause multiple sclerosis

A Filipina vlogger is falsely claiming that the World Health Organization (WHO) admitted in its website that COVID-19 vaccines can cause multiple sclerosis (MS). The WHO itself has debunked this allegation. “It is in the WHO website na may pag-aaral na… ang

June 24, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Bogus ‘CNN Philippines’ site posts FAKE story on joint disease cure

A website imitating CNN Philippines posted an article on a product for joint diseases supposedly formulated by former National Task Force against COVID-19 special adviser Tony Leachon. This story is fabricated. Circulating on Facebook (FB) as early as April, the site featured

June 23, 2023