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: Marcos omits crucial context on Masagana 99

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., concurrently the secretary of Agriculture, recently said his father’s Masagana 99 program “made the [Philippines] self-sufficient and a rice exporting country,” citing it as one of the “many milestones” in the 125-year history of the Department of Agriculture

June 23, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Pasig nuns are NOT selling an anti-aging cream

Three Facebook (FB) videos claim that nuns from a monastery in Pasig are making and selling an anti-aging cream. These are fake. The videos actually promote an unregistered cosmetic product. Posted on June 14 and 16, the scams by FB pages Thimphu

June 22, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: FB posts offering ‘TIN ID registration assistance’ are SCAMS

With new college graduates entering the workforce, several Facebook (FB) posts offering assistance in acquiring a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) card for a fee are also popping up. These are scams, says the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). The agency says obtaining

June 22, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Doc Willie Ong video endorsing varicose vein spray FAKE

Netizens are still interacting with a two-month-old advertisement made to look like cardiologist Willie Ong is promoting a spray to reduce varicose veins. This is fake. The video, posted May 8 by Facebook (FB) page Matiyagang Doctor, promotes a spray called South

June 22, 2023

Institutions

New production of Verdi’s Don Carlo in Vienna stars Filipino tenor Arthur Espiritu

Arthur Espiritu in a new production of Don Carlo in Vienna. Photo by Mark Glassner. Filipino tenor Arthur Espiritu is back in Vienna, Austria in the title role of a new Oper Klosterneuburg production of Verdi’s Don Carlo opening on July 8,

June 21, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Bato contradicts Duterte’s long-established stance on cops involved in drug trade

In an interview on The Chiefs, ONE News’ flagship current affairs program, Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa claimed that former president Rodrigo Duterte’s recent statement in dealing with cops involved in the illegal drug trade was said out of frustration. This runs

June 21, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Explosion caught on video caused by gadget overheating, NOT man’s fart

A Facebook (FB) Reel making the rounds online allegedly shows security footage of a man whose pants caught fire, after he farted causing his phone to blow up. The video was edited and given false context. Published by an FB page on

June 21, 2023

Institutions

Classical guitar bounces back – VERA Files

Classical guitarists and singers are on the rebound after being hit hard by the pandemic. The one who can attest to that is soprano Stefanie Quintin, guest soloist of the PIMA Guitar Quartet on June 22, 2023, 7 p.m. at the Yuchengco

June 20, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Netizen’s FB posts on Sen. Padilla and DSWD giveaways are FAKE

A netizen made six Facebook (FB) posts claiming that the office of Sen. Robinhood Padilla is accepting applications for a P3,000 financial aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). These are fake. “Ngayong Araw tatanggap na po Ang opisina

June 20, 2023

Institutions

‘How do you deal with these idiots?’

If former president Rodrigo Duterte would have his way, he would take one of the police officers involved in the 990-kilogram shabu haul in October 2022 on a helicopter ride, flying at an altitude of 20,000 feet, and give him 30 seconds

June 19, 2023