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: DA official seesaws on sugar import fiasco

In a public hearing by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on May 23, Agriculture Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban backpedaled six times on claims regarding President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive early this year to import sugar. STATEMENT During the hearing, Panganiban went from

May 25, 2023

Institutions

’DOTA player ang anak ko, hindi nagdo-droga’

Isa si Christine Pascual sa mga nanay na nagreklamo laban kay dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa International Criminal Court sa The Hague, Netherlands matapos mapatay ang kanyang anak dahil sa madugong war on drugs. Iyon na lang kasi ang nakikita niyang paraan

May 24, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Noynoy Aquino did NOT fake his death as political stunt

A video on YouTube is touting a conspiracy theory that the late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III staged his death in an apparent attempt to boost the presidential candidacy of former Vice President Leni Robredo in last year’s election. This is not

May 22, 2023

Institutions

Charred landmark – VERA Files

052223 Post Office Fire 1/12. Photos by Bullit Marquez. Many Filipinos were shocked to see images of the historic Manila Central Post Office building in flames when they woke up on Monday, May 22. The fire started shortly before midnight on Sunday

May 22, 2023

Institutions

Muzzling BBM’s ‘secret weapon’

After the meetings, one of the congressmen supposedly told another about the possibility of Arroyo’s return as speaker. This reached Romualdez who acted swiftly to expose Arroyo’s purported takeover attempt and weaken her hold in the chamber. The post Muzzling BBM’s ‘secret

May 22, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Videos spread FALSE claims on Pacquiao, Paradigm Sports civil case

Three videos on social media carried erroneous claims related to former senator Manny Pacquiao’s loss in a legal battle with Paradigm Sports Management (PSM). Posted on May 12 by Facebook (FB) page Show Business 2023 and YouTube channels Viral TV and Pinoy

May 20, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT SHEET: Is Teves a terrorist?

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed multiple murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder charges against Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. on May 17. Teves is the alleged mastermind of the March 9 murder of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and

May 19, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Video FALSELY claims PCG fired water cannon at Chinese vessel in WPS

A video posted on YouTube and Facebook (FB) passed off an old photo of the Japan Coast Guard firing a water cannon at a North Korean fishing vessel to claim that the incident was between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and a

May 18, 2023

Institutions

In black-and-white: Dark memories of martial law

The Ateneo Art Gallery has unveiled its Virtual Tour recently, offering selected current and past exhibitions. One of them is a tandem exhibit entitled Dark Memories & Alaala ng Martial Law by Rick Rocamora and Edgar Doctor. As a means of remembering

May 18, 2023

Institutions

VERA FILES FACT CHECK: Netizens share video with FALSE claim on one-child policy

A TikTok video shared by multiple Facebook (FB) users falsely claimed that where a one-child policy is in effect, children of couples with more than one offspring are incinerated. The clip used in the video was taken from a futuristic movie. “Grabe

May 17, 2023