They’re up to the same tricks again, spreading unverified reports of “narco-lists”, whistleblowers named “Bikoy”, and accompanying documents of dubious authenticity. The Opposition led by Liberal Party partisans (a.k.a. the Yellowtards) are making good once again on a track record of dishonest “information” campaigns.
Back in 2012, then-newbie “new media” site Rappler dot com sprung up out of nowhere propagating factoids surrounding the impeachment trial of then Chief Justice Renato Corona. It’s as if this “social news network” headed by its CEO Maria Ressa was created specifically for the job of demonising Corona.
Then came Pinoy Ako Blog just in time to boost the comms requirements of the Yellowtards in the campaign leading to the 2016 elections. Again, another channel magically springing up out of nowhere spewing drivel to contribute to the cause of getting the Yellowtards back in power.
A video is one thing and a cadre of “cooperative” corporate media organisations to help spread it is another. But the big question one needs to ask is whether the “evidence” in these videos will pass the standards of real Philippine courts. Do the Opposition have a legal roadmap to bring to justice those characters in the video whom they suggest have done something wrong? Unlikely. Their aim is not justice but merely to slander.