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: Video FALSELY claims 80-year-olds can now get P100,000

A Facebook (FB) video claimed that 80-year-old Filipino citizens can now claim their P100,000 centenary allowance. Not true. Posted by FB page Pinas Update on June 3, the video carried a caption that read: “Good news ito kay lola at lolo

June 19, 2023

Institutions

A clarinetist’s spectacular Manila debut

Saturday night (June 17) at the Manila Pianos showroom, clarinetist Jason Marquez surprised local music afficionados with a rarely played program for clarinet so varied and wide-ranging it left an audience asking for more. It was Marquez’s first team up with pianist

June 19, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Visitation policy stays; BuCor backtracks on suspension of Bilibid visits

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) backtracked on an earlier announcement temporarily suspending visitation at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) maximum security compound in Muntinlupa City from June 2 to 9. STATEMENT In a June 7 Facebook post, the BuCor, which manages and

June 18, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Another FAKE sky imagery of Jesus Christ circulates online

A viral reel on Facebook (FB) is purportedly showing another apparition of Jesus Christ emerging in the sky. Again, this is fake. On June 8, an FB user published the reel with the following superimposed text: “Ang pagpakita ni Jesus ay isang

June 17, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Another OLD video of Mayon’s lava fountain revived amid 2023 unrest

Yet another 2018 video of Mayon Volcano, this time spouting lava and an ash plume, is circulating among netizens with the claim it is recent. This is false. Shared as early as June 9 on Facebook (FB), the 22-second clip supposedly showed

June 16, 2023

Institutions

The secret identity of Judge Romeo Buenaventura

The story begins in late November of 2016 at the House of Representatives. At that time, Rodrigo Duterte had already decreed that Leila de Lima must be destroyed. And what better way to do that than manipulate Congress to begin De Lima’s

June 15, 2023

Institutions

Largest Chinese naval training ship visits Manila

Slide Qi Jiguang, the largest and most advanced naval training vessel by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) arrived June 14 for a four-day goodwill port call, the first since 2019. Chinese ambassador Huang Xilian was on hand to welcome the

June 15, 2023

Institutions

Attacks on journalists continue under Marcos: 2023 DNR Philippines

The Philippine media landscape remains largely grim despite the change in the country’s leadership in mid-2022. Attacks on journalists, which escalated during the six-year presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, have not let up since Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office. Dozens of violations of

June 14, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: The submarine in the video is NOT ‘Pinoy-made’

A YouTube channel posted a video of a submarine in a shipyard and claimed it was Philippine-made. This is false. Shown in the clip is a naval vessel built by an American shipbuilding company. Posted on May 27, the two-minute and 27-second

June 11, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Video DOES NOT show an ‘attack drone made in the Philippines’

A YouTube channel and a Facebook (FB) page uploaded a video of a drone firing missiles and claimed it was manufactured in the Philippines. This is not true. A company based in the United Kingdom designed the aerial vehicle in the video.

June 10, 2023