FACT CHECK: Bong Go Didn’t Propose To Add ‘Life And Works Of Duterte’ In College Curriculum
Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go isn't pushing a subject called “Life and Works of Duterte” to be added in the Philippine college curriculum. He also did not liken President Rodrigo Duterte to national hero Jose Rizal.
The text on the photo read: “Senator Bong Go, gusto dagdagan ang course sa college ng
‘Life and Works of Duterte.’” (Senator Bong Go wants to add a college course on the “Life and Works of Duterte.”)
Go was also quoted saying, “Si Pangulong Duterte ay parang si Jose Rizal dahil sa kanyang angking talino, lakas at pagmamahal para sa inang bayan (President Rodrigo Duterte is like Jose Rizal because of his intellect, strength and love for the motherland).”
Rating: Satire
Facts: Despite his close personal and professional ties with the outgoing president, Go made no proposal or statement about including a course on the “Life and Works of Duterte” in the college curriculum. He also did not liken Duterte to Rizal.
Neil Bryan posted the photo in the “House of Representa-thieves: Butasang Pambulsa,” a satire public Facebook group with over 79,600 members. The group name is a parody for the House of Representatives and Batasang Pambansa.
A text on the lower portion of the graphic also included the domain of a non-existing website, "HORBPSATIRICAL.NET," whose first five letters are an acronym for the Facebook group.
Duterte’s six-year term as president and commander-in-chief will end on June 30, the day that his successor Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. will be inaugurated at the National Museum.
Vice president-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio, Marcos, Jr.’s running mate, already took her oath on June 19 in Davao City.
Why it matters: The post has garnered 2,300 laughing reactions, 121 comments and 196 shares as of June 20. While majority of the Facebook users who saw the post were aware of its satirical tone, there were some who appeared to have taken it seriously, and even made their thoughts known in the comments section.
Satire, political or otherwise, is meant to criticize people or certain topics in a humorous way. This form of expression is protected speech under Philippine laws. But in the post-truth era where lines are blurred between satire and fake news, we deemed it necessary to issue this fact check.
OneNews.ph 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 [email protected].
