MANILA, Philippines — TV host and comedian Vice Ganda has denied making the viral post that showed support for former president Rodgrigo Duterte.
On his official Facebook page, Vice Ganda shared the circulating quote card with a large "fake news" stamp on the photo.
"Fake news! Don't believe this viral statement! I didn't release or say anything like this. Be critical and don't believe information without a clear or official source. Please report!" Vice Ganda wrote.
The fake quote card featured a photo of a crying Vice Ganda and the supposed statement that read (translated from Filipino): "Let's admit it, during FPRRD's [Duterte] time, most of the drug addicts turned their lives around, and most criminals rushed to surrender because they were afraid of Duterte. You were confident to go out at night because you knew the criminals and wrongdoers had decreased. If Duterte hadn't led during the pandemic, we would all be dead. Duterte used all the government's funds just to help us get through the pandemic."
The fake quote gained traction on Facebook and TikTok after the arrest of the former president by the International Criminal Court on Tuesday. Some pages are still reposting it as of this writing.
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On Wednesday's "It's Showtime" episode, Vice Ganda also addressed the issue, reiterating on live television: "Be careful with what you read. Not everything is true, like my supposed statements spreading on Facebook. That is not my statement, please avoid reposting it."