FACT CHECK | Article claiming Robredo set condition on SMNI debate is false

February 16, 2022 , 04:00 PM

(February 16, 2022) – An article published by a website alleged that Vice President Leni Robredo initially agreed to partake in the debate organized by Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) on the condition that Lorraine Badoy of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) won’t be a panelist.

This claim is false.

CLAIM:

Pinoy Exposé, which has been criticized for publishing misleading content, posted an article with a headline: “Robredo Sets ‘One Condition’ In SMNI Presidential Debate: ‘No Usec. Badoy, Please.'” It was dated February 4, 2022.

It alleged that Robredo wanted to “censor” Badoy to evade questions about the Communist Party of the Philippines, insisting without solid evidence that the opposition leader has close ties with the group through what it described as “front organizations.”

Aside from red-tagging, the article also claimed that Robredo does not want to answer questions related to a disqualification case against her when she ran and won as the 3rd District Representative of Camarines Sur in 2013, citing their sources. No particular name or background of the source was mentioned in the article. The story also has no byline or the name of the writer.

RATING: FALSE

FACTS:

Robredo, an independent candidate in the 2022 elections, did not impose any condition regarding the SMNI debate on Tuesday, more so involving Badoy in particular.

Atty. Barry Gutierrez, the spokesperson of Robredo, refuted the article’s claims on Wednesday.

“The SMNI invitation was declined outright for reasons we’ve previously stated. No ‘condition’ was ever set. This is false and a complete fabrication,” said Gutierrez in a message to News 5.

Gutierrez had already clarified that Robredo was forced to skip the SMNI debate since the schedule coincided with her visit to Panay Island as part of her campaign.

“Leni Robredo has a proven track record of attending debates and interviews regardless of personal histories or affiliations of its sponsors. Unfortunately, the VP already has a long-standing commitment to meet with leaders and supporters in Panay Island on the date this event was scheduled,” said Gutierrez on Monday.

Robredo was not the only one who declined the invitation of SMNI, which is owned by controversial evangelist Apollo Quiboloy. Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Ping Lacson, and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno also had their own explanations for skipping the event.

WHY THIS MATTERS:

Pinoy Exposé presents itself as “a media publication managed by professional and responsible journalists.” But it has been called out for some of its reports that were shared by prominent officials, including National Task Force Against COVID-19 adviser Dr. Ted Herbosa.

It’s not the first time that the website has engaged in red-baiting and red-tagging as it often echoes government rhetoric in targeting progressives, linking individuals and groups to the New People’s Army.

Robredo herself is not new to being red-tagged. She’s also been frequently targeted by fake news peddlers in what political observers say is a move to undermine her candidacy.

RELATED REPORT FROM RAPPLER: FALSE: Robredo is a member of CPP-NPA-NDF

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 the Facebook page of News5 if you want to have any claims fact-checked.

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