NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
OVP Clarifies Misrepresentation In The Manila Times Headline
Photo credit: OVP
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) is raising serious concerns over a misleading front-page story published by The Manila Times on 26 June 2025, headlined: “Sara: Why would drug war victims’ families object?”
This headline—and the accompanying article—mischaracterizes the statements made by Vice President Sara Z. Duterte during a press briefing held in San Fernando City, Pampanga on 25 June 2025. Contrary to what the story suggests, the Vice President did not express confusion over the stance of families of drug war victims. Rather, she questioned the legal reasoning used by the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution in opposing the petition for interim release filed on behalf of her father, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
The Vice President’s actual remark was:
“Sorry ah, but I do not understand why the prosecution would oppose the petition for interim release of an accused based on the statements of family members.”
This clearly refers to the ICC prosecution’s use of family statements—including her own—not the sentiments of the victims’ families. Unfortunately, The Manila Times headline and lead paragraph falsely attributed this comment as a critique directed at complainants’ families, which is factually incorrect and misleading.
Given the prominence of the article—as the paper’s banner story—the OVP urges The Manila Times editorial and reportorial staff to immediately issue a correction and print an erratum. Public trust in media rests on accuracy and context, especially when reporting on matters involving high-profile legal proceedings and sensitive public discourse.
The OVP also reiterates its call for responsible journalism. Misreporting not only distorts public understanding but also undermines the integrity of both the press and the democratic process. Media institutions are encouraged to uphold the highest standards of truth, balance, and fairness in all their coverage.
This headline—and the accompanying article—mischaracterizes the statements made by Vice President Sara Z. Duterte during a press briefing held in San Fernando City, Pampanga on 25 June 2025. Contrary to what the story suggests, the Vice President did not express confusion over the stance of families of drug war victims. Rather, she questioned the legal reasoning used by the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecution in opposing the petition for interim release filed on behalf of her father, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
The Vice President’s actual remark was:
“Sorry ah, but I do not understand why the prosecution would oppose the petition for interim release of an accused based on the statements of family members.”
This clearly refers to the ICC prosecution’s use of family statements—including her own—not the sentiments of the victims’ families. Unfortunately, The Manila Times headline and lead paragraph falsely attributed this comment as a critique directed at complainants’ families, which is factually incorrect and misleading.
Given the prominence of the article—as the paper’s banner story—the OVP urges The Manila Times editorial and reportorial staff to immediately issue a correction and print an erratum. Public trust in media rests on accuracy and context, especially when reporting on matters involving high-profile legal proceedings and sensitive public discourse.
The OVP also reiterates its call for responsible journalism. Misreporting not only distorts public understanding but also undermines the integrity of both the press and the democratic process. Media institutions are encouraged to uphold the highest standards of truth, balance, and fairness in all their coverage.
Jun 26, 2025
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
