Sara Duterte slams use of son's photo in online disinformation
Vice President Sara Duterte strongly condemned the unauthorized use of her minor son's photograph in online posts spreading disinformation to the public. She clarified that she has never used any of her children to advance her political interests and urged respect for her son's privacy as a minor.
Vice President Sara Duterte condemned the unauthorized use of her minor son's photograph in online posts spreading disinformation to the public. The incident occurred in July 2024 when photos of her family at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) circulated online during Super Typhoon Carina. The Office of the Vice President (OVP) issued a statement confirming that Duterte had left the Philippines with her family for a personal trip to Germany, which had been approved on July 9, 2024. The OVP called the timing 'unfortunate' given the typhoon situation but emphasized that relief efforts were mobilized. In her statement, Duterte clarified that she has never used any of her children to advance her political interests and strongly urged respect for her son's privacy as a minor. Her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, also criticized the circulation of these images, arguing they compromised her security despite being taken in a public place like the airport. This incident was part of broader disinformation campaigns targeting the Duterte family, with manipulated images circulating on social media platforms including TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. The OVP's response highlighted ongoing concerns about privacy and security for public officials' family members, particularly minors, amid heightened political tensions in the Philippines.
Join the discussion
What do you think? Drop your thoughts below.