The Marcos-Duterte Rift Fuels a Disinformation Firestorm on YouTube
The political landscape of the Philippines has been ablaze with disinformation since the apparent fracturing of the once-powerful alliance between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. This rift, emerging just two years after their landslide victory in the 2022 elections, has ignited a surge of false narratives on social media, particularly YouTube, further polarizing the nation’s citizenry. A significant portion of this disinformation revolves around portraying Marcos as weak and Duterte as a strong leader, capitalizing on pre-existing perceptions and exploiting the emotional vulnerabilities of online audiences.
The disinformation campaign intensified following former President Rodrigo Duterte’s accusation that Marcos Jr. was a "drug addict." False videos depicting Marcos ordering his predecessor’s arrest quickly proliferated on YouTube, racking up tens of thousands of views and interactions. These videos, often featuring provocative headlines and emotionally charged language, are indicative of a broader trend of "rage-baiting" – a tactic designed to elicit strong emotional responses and increase engagement, thereby amplifying the reach of the disinformation.
An analysis of fact-checked articles reveals a clear pattern: the majority of the false narratives portray Duterte as a powerful figure commanding support from investors, world leaders, and the military, while simultaneously depicting Marcos as a weak and vulnerable leader on the verge of being ousted. This narrative reinforces the idea of Duterte as the true power behind the throne and a more suitable leader for the nation. Furthermore, the disinformation campaign consistently amplifies allegations of Marcos’s alleged drug use, further undermining his credibility and fueling public distrust.
YouTube has become the primary battleground for this disinformation war. Pro-Duterte channels, boasting hundreds of thousands of subscribers and millions of views, churn out videos that bolster the vice president’s image while attacking Marcos and his allies. These videos often employ similar scripts, thumbnail formats, and cross-posting strategies, suggesting a degree of coordination and a potential "machinery" driving the campaign. While YouTube has policies prohibiting misleading and harmful content, the sheer volume of disinformation uploaded daily poses a significant challenge for the platform’s moderation efforts.
The pervasiveness of this disinformation campaign has significant implications for the Philippine political landscape. The constant barrage of false narratives not only erodes public trust in institutions but also drowns out the voices of alternative perspectives. The focus on the Marcos-Duterte feud has overshadowed discussions of other critical issues, effectively silencing opposition figures and limiting the space for meaningful political discourse. This dominance of the online narrative by two powerful families restricts the ability of other political actors to gain traction and engage with the public on substantive policy matters.
The opposition faces a formidable challenge in penetrating this wall of disinformation. They must not only contend with the overwhelming volume of pro-Duterte and anti-Marcos content but also navigate the complex emotional landscape manipulated by rage-baiting tactics. Building a strong online presence and crafting authentic narratives that resonate with the public are crucial for the opposition to reclaim the narrative and foster informed political discourse. This requires a multifaceted approach that includes fact-checking initiatives, media literacy campaigns, and the development of alternative online spaces where diverse voices can be heard. The future of Philippine politics hinges on the ability of truth and reason to prevail over the manipulative forces of disinformation.