Spread of fake news after Duterte arrest brings shame to PH – Ortega

Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s initial appearance took place on Friday, 14 March 2025, at 14:00 hours (The Hague local time), before Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”). ©ICC-CPI

MANILA, Philippines  — The massive spread of misinformation and disinformation after former President Rodrigo Duterte was taken into custody by the International Criminal Court (ICC) brings shame to the country, La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V said on Tuesday.

Ortega in a statement said that the huge amount of social media posts containing fake information and even hate speech is not only disturbing, but also humiliating, as it has reached international levels — including the ICC prosecutors and judges.

“The sheer volume of disinformation is not just disturbing—it’s humiliating. Umaabot na sa puntong pati ICC, isang international tribunal, ay nadadamay sa kasinungalingan. Nakakahiya tayo sa buong mundo,” Ortega said.

(The sheer volume of disinformation is not just disturbing—it’s humiliating. It has reached a point where the ICC, an international tribunal, is being dragged into this web of lies.  We are a shame to the whole world.)

“Many people were agitated by these misleading statements, and we must hold accountable those who are deliberately peddling fake news to manipulate public perception. Hindi ito simpleng usapin ng opinyon—deliberate disinformation ito na sinasadyang lituhin ang publiko,” he added.

(This is not a simple discussion of opinions — this is a deliberate disinformation meant to distract the public.)

Ortega said he was referring to different “false narratives” including those coming from former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea — who claimed that Duterte was missing and that the ex-leader was not given the proper medical care.

Furthermore, ICC Presiding Judge Lulia Motoc was harassed by Duterte’s supporters — from Facebook, to X, and to even her professional LinkedIn profile.  There were also posts falsely claiming that Motoc shared a photo with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

Satirical posts of lawyers and judges in movies and television series supposedly backing Duterte were also used by different the ex-president’s supporters to call on the ICC to release him.

“The attacks on Judge Motoc show how far disinformation networks will go to distort reality and discredit legal proceedings. They’re fabricating stories, questioning credibility, and spreading outright lies just to muddy the waters,” Ortega said.

“These fabricated narratives are meant to stir chaos and cast doubt on legal proceedings. It’s alarming that some people are so desperate to twist reality that they’ll even invent quotes from fictional characters. Ano na lang ang tingin sa atin ng international community?” he asked.

According to lawyer Kristina Conti, these posts may be bad for Duterte’s legal standing as these may backfire — through a provision in the Rome Statute may be invoked against such actions.

ICC-accredited lawyer Joel Butuyan also believes these online harassment of the ICC and its judges may adversely affect Duterte’s interim release plea.

READ: Web attacks on ICC judge bad for Duterte’s release plea – lawyer 

Last March 11, Duterte was stopped from leaving the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal 3 after local authorities assisted the International Criminal Police Organization in enforcing the ICC arrest order.

The ICC issued the arrest order in connection to the crimes against humanity raps filed against Duterte, for his role in the past administration’s bloody drug war.

After questioning the arrest, Duterte eventually conceded, boarding a chartered plane from Villamor Air Base, which left Manila for the Netherlands a few minutes after 11:00 p.m., Tuesday.

READ: Medialdea is spreading fake news on Duterte’s condition – Garin 

Aside from Ortega, there are other lawmakers who called out the Duterte camp for spreading false information.  Last Friday, Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin said that Medialdea is only spreading misinformation, noting that her prior experience in working with the Dutch people showed that they are very meticulous and considerate when it comes to the health and welfare of people.

Garin is a former Health secretary during the time of former president Benigno Aquino III.