My supporters are real people, not just online trolls — PBBM

National

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reiterated that what he has are supporters who are real people and not the so-called keyboard warriors.

In a vlog posted on his official social media account on Sunday, March 2, the President thanked the people who showed up in the sorties of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.

“Isa sa kinatutuwa ko sa mga rally na pinupuntahan namin ay nakikita ko mismo mga sumusuporta sa ating alyansa. Sila ay mga tunay na tao, tunay na Pinoy, hindi lang mga keyboard warrior or troll, mga totoong tao po sila, kinakamayan, nakakausap at nakukumusta (One of the aspects I find most gratifying about attending rallies is the opportunity to see our supporters firsthand. They are real people, genuine Filipinos—not merely keyboard warriors or trolls. They are individuals we engage with personally, shaking their hands, speaking with them, and checking on their well-being),” Marcos said.

Marcos emphasized that indications of support for Alyansa members, mainly those who have reportedly conveyed appreciation for different administration initiatives and agendas, are accurate and cannot be falsified.

The President also warned the public against misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, especially during the upcoming local and national elections in May.

“Kakambal ng kampanya ay mga intriga at batuhang putik na tinatawag na fake news. Kaliwa’t kanan na rin ‘yan, kaya dapat maingat tayong mga mamamayan (Campaigns are often accompanied by intrigue and the spread of misinformation, commonly referred to as fake news. These tactics are widespread, necessitating caution and critical thinking among citizens),” he said.

It was not the first time that Marcos has dealt with concerns regarding the alleged use of trolls during election campaigns.

In the 2022 elections, he indicated that he had been offered the use of online troll services to enhance his campaign, but he declined the offer and provoked his critics to find even just one of his supposed trolls.(Ana Grace R. Cabradilla, BIPSU Intern)