Photo credit: Congress PH

House trial spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong on Saturday urged media groups, schools, churches, civil society organizations, and independent fact-checkers to work together in countering what he described as a growing wave of disinformation surrounding the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Adiong issued the statement after Senator Imee Marcos raised claims that there were alleged moves to convene a Constituent Assembly that could supposedly extend the terms of lawmakers, keep President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in office until 2031, cancel the 2028 elections, or change the presidential age requirement to block Duterte from running.

According to Adiong, such allegations should be backed by solid evidence, official documents, and credible testimony before being taken seriously. Without proof, he said the claims only distract the public from the actual impeachment case now pending before the Senate impeachment court.

“Sa lakas ng ebidensya, ang ipinantatapat na lang nila ay fake news. Kapag hindi kayang harapin ang Articles of Impeachment, gumagawa sila ng bagong multo para takutin ang tao,” Adiong said.

The Senate formally convened as an impeachment court on May 18, while the Office of the Vice President received the writ of summons on May 20. Senator Erwin Tulfo earlier said trial proceedings are expected to start on July 6, with hearings scheduled after regular Senate sessions.

Adiong warned that false narratives could shape public perception even before the Senate begins hearing evidence in the impeachment proceedings.

“Hindi ito simpleng tsismis lang. These narratives are designed to deflect, distract, and poison public understanding before the Senate trial even hears the evidence,” he said.

He stressed that public attention should remain on the Articles of Impeachment, which include allegations involving misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and threats allegedly made against the President, the First Lady, and a former House Speaker. Duterte has denied all accusations and insisted the impeachment complaint is politically motivated.

“Ang tanong ngayon ay simple: nasaan ang paliwanag sa confidential funds, liquidation records, SALN issues, cash envelopes, at banta? Iyon ang kaso. Huwag nating hayaang tabunan ito ng fake news,” Adiong added.

The House spokesperson also described the impeachment proceedings as a “civic education moment,” saying Filipinos should learn to distinguish facts from propaganda and accountability from political noise.

He called on universities, student publications, legal organizations, newsrooms, and civic groups to actively monitor impeachment-related claims, verify their sources, and quickly correct misinformation.

“Kapag sinasadya mong magpakalat ng kasinungalingan para ilihis ang hustisya, kalaban ka na ng katotohanan at pananagutan,” Adiong said.

He added that fact-checking is now crucial in protecting the integrity of the impeachment process and ensuring public trust in democratic institutions remains grounded on evidence and truth.