FACT CHECK: Manny Pacquiao’s name, image used in fake online gambling ads

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Multiple posts on social media use the Filipino boxer’s name and photos to falsely imply that he promotes various online gaming platforms

Claim: Renowned Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao endorses various online casino apps, including the “Manny Pacquiao Online Casino Game.” 

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: Several Facebook posts and pages have surfaced on social media claiming Pacquiao’s endorsement of various online casino platforms, such as the “Manny Pacquaio Online Casino Game,” “EEJL Casino,” and “VIP PH,” among others. One of the pages named “Manny Pacquiao Casino legit link” has accumulated 4,000 members and a post has reached 5,800 views, 24,000 reactions, and 347 shares.

The facts: These posts use Pacquiao’s name and image to falsely imply his endorsement. The boxing champion has never endorsed the “Manny Casino” app or any of the other platforms linked to him on his official accounts.

Pacquiao was an ambassador for the gaming platform M88 Mansion in 2022. According to a fact-check article by PressOne.PH, the boxer now partners with BK8 Philippines. 

None of the other gaming platforms mentioned in the misleading social media posts, nor the links posted in the “Manny Pacquiao Casino legit link” Facebook group, are legitimately associated with Pacquiao. 

Target of false ads: Pacquiao has previously been the target of similar false content using deepfake to imply the boxer’s endorsement of an online casino platform.

Rappler has also debunked other false posts on online gambling:

• FACT CHECK: Pagcor didn’t launch online gaming app, ‘news report’ is AI-edited. 
• FACT CHECK: Manny Pacquiao’s online casino video ad uses deepfake.
• FACT CHECK: Online gambling ad uses AI-edited news report, Pacquiao interview

– Aya Ranas/Rappler.com

Aya Ranas is a 2nd year Communication student and a scholar at National University Clark, Pampanga. An editor-in-chief and founder of the Nationalian Clarion, she is also an Aries Rufo Journalism Fellow of Rappler for 2024.

Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time.