By Brian Jules Campued
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Tuesday belied the claim of a video content circulating online featuring manipulated audio of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directing the military to take action against a foreign country.
In a statement, Malacañang said no such order exists nor has been made by the President.
“Ito po ay isang deepfake video, kumbaga ginamit lang ang boses ng Pangulo at ginawa siyang script para ilapat sa video na parang siya mismo ang nagsasalita,” PCO Asec. Dale de Vera said during an interview in Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Wednesday.
Deepfakes are an advanced form of digital content manipulation through the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI), according to the PCO.
Citing its Media and Information Literacy Campaign, the agency said it is actively working on measures to combat fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.
In choosing what to share on social media, De Vera reminded the public to be more discerning and vigilant regarding the news they read.
The PCO is also closely coordinating and working with relevant government agencies and members of the private sector to address the proliferation and malicious use of video and audio deepfakes and other generative AI content.
It also called on the people to fight and expose fake news that only aim to propagate malicious content online.
“We encourage everyone to work with us in fostering a more aware, resilient, and engaged citizenry in our digital commons. – avds