FACT CHECK: Unregistered anti-itch not endorsed by Doc Liza Ong

Claim: Dr. Liza Ramoso-Ong, the wife of cardiologist and online health personality Dr. Willie Ong, endorses the anti-itch cream Arturo Doctor Zu.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: The post bearing the claim was posted by the Facebook page “Arturo Dr Zu Store” which has over 3,300 followers. 

The post shows a picture of Ong and the product, a list of ailments that the cream supposedly treats, and a logo with the text “doctor recommended,” suggesting that Ong endorses the cream as an effective remedy.

As of writing, the post has gained over 34,700 likes, 16,100 comments, and 1,200 shares. 

The facts: The ad merely uses Ong’s photo to make it look like she promotes the product, but Ong and her husband have repeatedly debunked numerous fake advertisements that use their name, photos, or videos to imply endorsement of supposed health products.

The couple has previously told Rappler that Birch Tree Advance, a nutritional milk for seniors made by Century Pacific Food, is the only product they endorse. 

Not FDA registered: Arturo Doctor Zu cream is not on the Philippine Food and Drug Administration’s list of approved drug products.

Under the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, the sale of health products without authorization from the FDA is prohibited.

Fact-checked: Rappler has debunked similar fake ads, with some using AI tools to falsely imply the couple’s endorsement:

• FACT CHECK: Ad uses deepfake video of Doc Willie Ong to promote voice and throat supplement
• FACT CHECK: Altered video of Doc Liza Ong used in fake ad for prostate cream
• FACT CHECK: Doc Willie Ong video promoting varicose veins cream is fake
• FACT CHECK: Doc Willie Ong not endorsing unregistered gout ointment
• FACT CHECK: Doc Liza Ong doesn’t endorse unregistered anti-itch cream

– Chinie Ann Jocel R. Mendoza/Rappler.com

Chinie Ann Jocel R. Mendoza is a graduate of Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.

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