Photos and videos from unrelated events were also repurposed to create the false impression of massive crowds gathering in various locations to show support for the Dutertes. Fabricated quote cards featuring public figures allegedly backing Rodrigo Duterte in connection with his ICC arrest were likewise documented throughout the campaign285. Meanwhile, key disinformation narratives against Marcos Jr. were closely tied to the Dutertes, including allegations that the president and his wife had orchestrated the events surrounding Duterte’s arrest286. The 2025 midterm elections also marked the first documented use of AI-generated disinformation content in the country’s electoral history. AI-generated content was found to have political influence in the lead-up to the polls.. In response, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued Resolution No. 11064 in September 2024, regulating the use of social media, AI, and internet technology287. Under this resolution, candidates were permitted to use AI in their campaigns only if the content included a clear disclaimer or disclosure288. According to Tsek.ph, disinformation in the form of AI-generated deepfake videos and audio accounted for about one-third of the 35 altered claims recorded during the election campaign period289. Among these narratives was a deepfake video of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos dancing in support of pro-Duterte candidates. Another was a clip of Sara Duterte delivering a speech in fluent Mandarin that circulated on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform. In the deepfake, Sara Duterte appeared to comment on her father’s arrest, saying, “That’s forcibly taking my father to another country and illegally arresting him.”290 The Dutertes are known to have online supporters adept at mobilizing disinformation for political advantage. Ahead of the 2025 midterm elections—and amid the collapse of the alliance between Marcos Jr. and the Dutertes—these cyber armies were also reported to be flooding social media platforms to defend Sara Duterte in relation to her impeachment291. The Facebook page of the ICC judge responsible for Rodrigo Duterte’s case was also reportedly bombarded with comments from Duterte supporters following his arrest292. Ibid. Ibid. 287. Cabalza, Dexter. “Comelec Justifies Regulation of Poll Materials Online.” Inquirer.net, 4 Nov. 2024, www. inquirer.net/419753/comelec-justifies-regulation-of-poll-materials-online. 288. Ibid. 289. Gonzales, Pipo, and Yvonne T. Chua. “AI Fakery Rises, but Cheapfakes Still Rule the Race.” Tsek.ph, 10 May 2025, www.tsek.ph/ai-fakery-rises-but-cheapfakes-still-rule-the-race. 290. Ibid. 291. Baizas, Gaby. “[Decoded] Duterte Social Media Army Very Much Alive, Roars to Defend Embattled Sara Duterte.” Rappler, 16 Jan. 2025, www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/decoded-dutertefamily-social-media-machinery. 292. Abanto, Rowegie. “Duterte Risks Facing More Charges Due to His Supporters’ Behavior on Social Media.” ABS-CBN News, 18 Mar. 2025, www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/3/18/duterte-risks-facingmore-charges-due-to-his-supporters-behavior-on-social-media-1414. 285. 286. 65