Part 11/13:
The War on Political and Social Misinformation
The Duterte administration's controversial war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings, became fertile ground for disinformation. Fake news justified or downplayed human rights abuses, portraying these actions as effective governance. During this period, online trolls received government funding to attack critics, including opposition senators like Leni De Lima, further entrenching polarization.
In the digital battleground, supporter groups known as "Duterte Die-Hards" actively promote false narratives defending the administration’s policies. Their influence underscores the manipulation of online spaces for political gain.