FACT CHECK | Poser account falsely claims broadcaster and senatorial candidate Raffy Tulfo has passed away

February 11, 2022 , 05:44 PM

(February 11, 2022) – A Facebook account posing as a popular radio broadcast journalist published a post on social media claiming his colleague, who is seeking a seat in the Senate, has passed away from a heart condition on Thursday.

The post came to former News5 radio and television host Raffy Tulfo’s attention, who went out to deny he had died. He also noted that the post was created by a fraudulent account. The claim is false.

CLAIM:

A Facebook post from an account bearing the name of Radyo5 broadcast journalist Ted Failon claimed that his colleague and senatorial candidate Rafael Tulfo, a front runner in opinion polls, had passed away on Thursday afternoon from cardiac arrest resulting from a heart attack. He was reportedly rushed to the Manila Doctor’s Hospital.

The post added that the 61-year old Tulfo, who is a common candidate for the teams of Senator Panfilo Lacson and Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao, will be “interred” on Friday morning or a day after in light of coronavirus restrictions.

Some netizens were quick to point out the numerous grammatical errors in the post, doubting the credibility of the claim.

RATING: FALSE

FACTS:

Tulfo’s camp called out the post on Facebook on Friday morning, denying allegations that he has passed away. They also pointed out that the post came from a poser account and was not written by Ted Failon.

“Walang katotohanan ang balitang ito,” Tulfo’s social media staff said on his official Facebook page. “Ito po ay gawa lamang ng isang fake account na gumagamit ng pangalan ng isang journalist. Huwag po tayo basta-basta naniniwala sa mga post na hindi nanggaling sa mga lehitimong news source.”

Failon has also not issued an official statement making the claim.

WHY THIS MATTERS:

The claim involved two public figures, namely Tulfo and Failon, who are popular radio and television hosts and Tulfo is also running for senator. The post, which is now unavailable on Facebook, was reproduced by another account, mistaking it as coming from Failon. It could mislead many people and affect the candidacy of Tulfo in the May elections.

News5 is part of #FactsFirstPH which brings together various sectors that are committed to promoting truth in the public space, and exacting accountability on those who harm it with lies. For those interested to join the initiative, email info@factsfirst.ph.

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