Marcos Jr. AI-generated audio clip debunked by fact-checkers

An audio clip purportedly featuring President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. giving instructions on cases against minority senators has been definitively identified as AI-generated by multiple fact-checking organizations. The audio circulated widely on social media platforms like Facebook, with many viewers believing it to be genuine. The audio clip allegedly contained statements such as, “For the case against the two, give it some time for now. Prioritize the one against Marcoleta. The one against Romualdez, it’s up to you to come up with a reason. Just hold a press conference.” Results from AI detection tools indicate that the audio has over a 90% probability of containing AI-generated speech. Hive Moderation reported a 98.8% probability, TruthScan 96%, and Undetectable AI found the audio clip to be only 4% real compared to the likelihood of it being AI-generated. The spread of this fabricated audio occurred amidst ongoing developments concerning the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, including the arrests of minority bloc senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta, and the search for Senator Bato dela Rosa, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. These senators have been unable to attend the impeachment trial and participate as senator-judges, a situation that the Duterte-aligned minority bloc has repeatedly raised concerns about. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and his colleagues have been attempting to push the narrative that minority senators are being targeted with administrative cases as a form of intimidation, a claim denied by the Palace. Senator Cayetano himself is facing an obstruction of justice complaint, along with Senator Robin Padilla, over their alleged role in the escape of the now-fugitive Senator Dela Rosa. Rappler has previously fact-checked several false claims related to key actors in the Vice President’s impeachment trial. This incident of an AI-generated audio clip further highlights the sophistication of disinformation campaigns in the Philippines and the potential for political turmoil they can create. Source: Rappler Philippines