The Claim: VP Leni Robredo comments on the cost of the Philippine Arena, an indoor stadium owned by Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC).
Rating: FALSE
The Facts:
A Facebook netizen and video creator, Richard Abadilla Tv, posted a screenshot of a post-dated July 8, 2018 by Leni Robredo Para Sa Bayan–a Facebook page dedicated to incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo–criticizing the PHP 9.4 billion construction cost of the 140-hectare Philippine Arena. Abadilla Tv addressed his response to this post to VP Robredo herself. He cited the contributions of INC, such as the “Lingap sa Mamayan” and “Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko,” to counterattack against the alleged accusation by the Robredo Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/RichardAbadillaTv/posts/516039970225698). His post has generated approximately 4,000 comments and 6,500 shares as of April 7, 12:00 P.M.
The comment section likewise referenced other projects by Iglesia Ni Cristo, including the construction of classrooms for New Era High School and College, livelihood programs, housing, as well as eco-farming projects (https://youtube.com/c/IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdatesChannel).
Several netizens proceeded to direct criticism against Robredo, urging her to “fact check” the numerous humanitarian ventures spearheaded by INC, and stressing the fact that INC is a privately-owned institution.
Abadilla Tv’s accusation is false.
Robredo never made any comments nor wrote any posts attacking Iglesia Ni Cristo for the exuberant cost of the Philippine Arena. A quick investigation to locate the original post by the Facebook page, Leni Robredo Para Sa Bayan, surfaces no such record. The Facebook page itself also could not be found. Whether it has been deleted or simply renamed cannot be confirmed.
Why we fact-checked this:
The spread of misinformation, disinformation and fake news in the digital age has seen a notable rise, particularly during this politically-volatile time. It is all the more important that we combat the dissemination of fake news against public figures such as presidential candidates in order to promote critical discernment among the voting public in this upcoming election.
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