Rappler PLUS briefing: Deep dive into the Marcos networked propaganda

MANILA, Philippines – Rappler will be holding an exclusive briefing for Rappler PLUS members about the networked propaganda of the Marcos family on Tuesday, February 25, 5 pm at the Rappler HQ. 

Rappler research head Gemma Bagayaua-Mendoza will be discussing the massive propaganda and targeted disinformation produced and amplified by Marcos and Duterte fan pages, YouTube channels, and social media influencers. 

This networked propaganda, which sought to alter public perception on the Marcoses, was mapped using Rappler’s Sharktank database. This has tracked over 360 pages and over 280 groups supporting the Marcoses. 

In our 3-part investigative report, we found common themes in the messages disseminated by the network. These include justifying the family’s wealth, denying corruption and human rights violations during Martial Law, exaggerating achievements of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, and a supposed “hidden” history unreported by a “biased” press. 

Many of the posts have since been debunked and fact-checked while several pages and accounts belonging to the network have been taken down by Facebook due to their “spammy content” and “coordinated inauthentic behavior.” 

Tuesday marks the 34th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, which booted dictator Ferdinand Marcos and his family out of Malacañang. 

To join the briefing, sign up for PLUS at rappler.com/plus.  

Rappler PLUS members will also have the option to watch the briefing through the livestream above. – Rappler.com