Fake News Detection Guide
Learn to identify and protect yourself from misinformation and disinformation in the Philippines. Become a critical thinker and stop the spread of fake news.
Latest Fake News Circulating Online
DEBUNKED
Nationwide Lockdown Considered Due to Dangerous Mpox Disease
Source: Unverified Facebook Post (View fake post)
View official DOH statement
DEBUNKED
DepEd to Add Grade 13 to Senior High School for SY 2025-2026
Source: Unverified Facebook Post (View fake post)
View official DepEd statement
Fake News in the Philippines
What is Fake News?
Fake news is false or misleading information presented as news. It comes in several forms:
- Misinformation: False information shared without harmful intent
- Disinformation: Deliberately created false information to deceive
- Malinformation: Genuine information shared to cause harm
- Satire/Parody: Humorous fake news that can be mistaken as real
- Clickbait: Sensational headlines designed for clicks and ad revenue
Why Fake News is Dangerous
- Spreads fear: Creates panic during emergencies or disasters
- Manipulates elections: Influences voting decisions with false narratives
- Damages reputations: Ruins lives and careers with false accusations
- Incites violence: Fuels hatred between groups or communities
- Harms public health: Spreads dangerous medical misinformation
- Undermines trust: Erodes confidence in legitimate news sources
Why People Believe Fake News
- Confirmation bias: Believing what aligns with existing views
- Emotional appeal: Stories that trigger strong emotions
- Repetition effect: Hearing something repeatedly makes it seem true
- Social proof: Trusting information shared by friends/family
- Lack of media literacy: Not knowing how to verify information
- Algorithmic bubbles: Social media showing only agreeable content
Real vs. Fake News Examples
VERIFIED
P80,000 DSWD Aid for Woman from Sewer Comes with Monitoring, Conditions
Source: ABS-CBN News
The DSWD clarified that the P80,000 cash aid given to a woman who emerged from a sewer in Makati includes monitoring and conditions, with social workers assessing genuine needs through home visits.
DEBUNKED
Nationwide Lockdown Considered Due to Dangerous Mpox Disease
Source: Unverified Facebook Post (View fake post)
This claim was debunked by the Department of Health, stating no lockdown is planned and urging the public to follow official channels.
VERIFIED
DOH Announces Free Flu Vaccines for Senior Citizens Nationwide
Source: Department of Health (DOH)
The DOH launched a nationwide program to provide free flu vaccines to seniors, starting in June 2025, as part of public health initiatives.
DEBUNKED
DepEd to Add Grade 13 to Senior High School for SY 2025-2026
Source: Unverified Facebook Post (View fake post)
DepEd has clarified that no additional grade will be added to Senior High School, calling the claim false.
VERIFIED
MMDA Announces New Traffic Scheme for EDSA Starting June
The MMDA introduced a revised traffic management plan to reduce congestion on EDSA, effective June 2025.
VERIFIED
Transport Group to Stage Protest Against NCAP on Monday
Source: ABS-CBN News
The Stop NCAP Coalition, led by Laban TNVS, plans to protest the No Contact Apprehension Policy on June 2, 2025, and is preparing a motion for reconsideration to the Supreme Court.
How to Spot Fake News
🚩 Warning Signs of Fake News
- Emotional headlines: "You won't believe this!" or "Shocking revelation!"
- Poor grammar/spelling: Numerous errors in writing
- Unfamiliar sources: Websites you've never heard of
- No author/byline: Anonymous or fake authors
- Outdated information: Old news presented as current
- Manipulated images: Photoshopped or mislabeled pictures
- Missing sources: Claims without evidence or references
- Urgent sharing: "Share before it gets deleted!"
- Confirmation bias appeal: Confirms your existing beliefs
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself
- Check the source: Is it reputable? Look beyond the logo
- Read beyond the headline: Headlines often misrepresent content
- Verify the author: Are they real? What's their expertise?
- Check the date: Is the story current or recycled?
- Examine supporting sources: Do they actually support the claims?
- Check your biases: Are you believing this because you want it to be true?
- Consult fact-checkers: Use trusted fact-checking organizations
- Reverse image search: Verify photos with Google Images
- Think before sharing: Could this harm someone if false?
Philippine Fact-Checking Resources
Trusted Fact-Checking Organizations
- Vera Files: verafiles.org - Investigative journalism and fact-checking
- Rappler: rappler.com/moveph - #FactsFirstPH campaign
- Tsek.PH: tsek.ph - Academic fact-checking initiative
- AFP Fact Check: factcheck.afp.com - Global fact-checking service
- Google Fact Check Explorer: toolbox.google.com/factcheck/explorer
🔍 Always cross-check information with multiple reputable sources before believing or sharing news.
Test Your Fake News Detection Skills
Answer these questions to see if you can spot fake news
Score: 0/5