FACT CHECK | Vlogger’s claim of hatched plan to cheat Marcos on election day is false

April 6, 2022 , 04:55 PM

(April 6, 2022) – A vlogger claimed that the possible rotational brownouts during election day on May 9 are part of a plan to cheat presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos Jr.

His claim is false.

CLAIM:

Sangkay Janjan TV read a tweet and an article, both from CNN Philippines last month, about the power outlook in the upcoming weeks. His vlog was titled “MASAMANG PLANO KAY BBM SA MAY 9? NABUKING!”

The tweet said an energy policy group, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), warns of possible power outages on voting day.

The article, meanwhile, mentioned the concern raised by the ICSC about the limited power supply. It also presented the side of the Energy Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The pro-Marcos vlogger claimed some political forces “will do anything just to cheat” the late dictator’s son. He urged his viewers to be vigilant if the power outages indeed happen on voting day.

He added that what happened in the 2016 elections, where Marcos lost in the vice presidential race, should no longer happen this 2022 elections. He also floated the possibility of a “revolutionary government” if Marcos will be cheated.

“Kaya ko ito vlinog, mga sangkay, para maging warning ito sa mga gagawa ng kalokohang ito. At para rin maging aware ang mga Pilipino na kapag mangyari ito, alam niyo na kung sino ang sisishin. Alam niyo na. Isiniwalat na, mga sangkay. Gagawin talaga po ang lahat para lang manalo. Dudumi maglaro,” said Sangkay Janjan TV.

RATING: False

FACTS:

The vlog, posted last Monday, offered no concrete basis for his claim that the possible rotational brownouts are part of the plan to cheat Marcos. His commentary was merely based on the warning of the ICSC. While the ICSC said power outages should be expected, it didn’t link them to any plan to derail the candidacy of Marcos.

It’s worth stressing as well that the rotational brownouts are not a sure occurrence on election day, but only a possibility, according to the ICSC.

In fact, the ERC stated that the energy supply is sufficient in the weeks leading up to voting day.

“The supply is just right. So that we cannot afford outages, that’s the culprit. But now the ERC is also making sure that the plants do not go on outage during the summer season,” said ERC chairperson Agnes Devanadera in the article.

The DOE, meanwhile, was quoted as saying that its Energy Task Force Election will not only look into the power supply during voting day but also on security arrangement.

The article also stated that Comelec commissioner George Garcia received assurance from the DOE that the power supply has a “good outlook.”

Sangkay Janjan TV’s claim that there’s already a plan to cheat Marcos just because of the possible power outages is purely speculation.

In addition, his implied statement that Marcos was cheated during the 2016 elections is also false.

In February 2021, the Presidential Electoral Tribunal unanimously voted to junk the electoral protest filed by Marcos against Vice President Leni Robredo. Marcos’ appeal remains pending.

Robredo also had over 15,000 additional votes after the recount in three provinces.

WHY THIS MATTERS:

According to independent fact-checking network Tsek.PH, Marcos was the biggest beneficiary of false information.

In the latest Pulse Asia survey, he maintained his big lead at 56%, although it decreased by four points from his previous standing.

Supporters of Marcos, the standard-bearer of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, have repeatedly insisted that he was cheated in the 2016 elections. One News, a member of Facts First PH, published a fact-check report on this claim which was also cited in a press release.

The vlog already has more than 84,000 views and 10,000 likes on YouTube.

Sangkay Janjan TV, which has 894,000 subscribers, has already been fact-checked by News 5 and Rappler for his past vlogs supporting the Marcos family.

News 5 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, e-mail info@factsfirst.ph. Message News 5’s Facebook page if you want to have any claims fact-checked. Read our fact-checking policy here.

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