Team DailyPedia
Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has been accused by a vlogger of playing a key role in the circulation of a controversial, allegedly fake video that appears to show President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. using illegal drugs.
During the fourth congressional hearing of the House Tri-Committee on April 8, content creator testified under oath that Roque was the original source of the so-called “polvoron video”—so named because the white powder in the clip resembles the Filipino dessert.
Cunanan claimed the video was first discussed during a private dinner in Hong Kong on July 7, 2024, following the “Maisug Rally” attended by pro-Duterte personalities. Among the attendees, Cunanan said, were Roque, former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez, former Press Secretary Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles, Lorraine Badoy, and Sass Rogando Sassot.
“There were talks that the video should be released by a foreign influencer to make it look more credible and avoid potential legal consequences,” Cunanan said.
She added that during the dinner, Roque allegedly said: “Magaling ako magpabagsak ng gobyerno”—which she interpreted as a reference to plans to spread the video to damage President Marcos’ credibility.
Cunanan testified that she received both a raw and an enhanced version of the video on July 22, 2024—the same day Marcos delivered his State of the Nation Address. She claimed that enhancements were made using artificial intelligence (AI) to make it appear that it was the President in the footage.
Despite receiving the video, Cunanan said she believes it was manipulated. “Hindi po si PBBM ’yon. I don’t believe it was him,” she told lawmakers, adding that the timing of the video’s release was meant to stir controversy.
In a Facebook livestream, Roque vehemently denied the accusations, dismissing Cunanan’s claims as “fake news” and “pure opinion.” He pointed out that Cunanan’s affidavit states that she only believes Roque was behind the video—an opinion, not a fact.
“Wala namang saysay ang affidavit kung opinyon lang,” Roque said. “The affidavit does not mean anything if it’s not backed by evidence.”
Roque also denied ever claiming he could bring down the government, saying, “That power lies with the people, not me. Don’t give me too much credit.”
He questioned Cunanan’s credibility and motives, suggesting her testimony may have been given in exchange for political or personal favors. “Nalungkot ako, siguro matindi talaga ang pangangailangan,” Roque remarked.
House Deputy Speaker David “Jay Jay” Suarez emphasized the need for stronger legislation to address the growing threat of deepfakes and manipulated content online.
“This is exactly why we are conducting these hearings—to prevent fake news and the use of AI to discredit public officials,” Suarez said. “We need clear laws to hold those responsible accountable.”
The Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation earlier confirmed that the man in the viral “polvoron video” was not President Marcos. The Presidential Communications Office also disavowed the clip, labeling it as fake and potentially harmful disinformation.
