Vice President Atty. Sara Duterte on Wednesday condemned the unauthorized use of her minor son’s photograph to spread false information, warning against the exploitation of children in political disinformation.
“I condemn the unauthorized use of my minor son’s photograph to spread false information,” Duterte said in a statement released March 11, 2026.
The vice president said she has never used her children to advance her political interests and has strictly prohibited them from engaging in political matters outside their home.
“Do not let children be used to spread fake news in the dirty world of politics today,” she said, adding that the protection of the youth — “whether my child or not” — is a shared responsibility.
Duterte did not identify the individuals behind the alleged misuse of the image or specify the nature of the disinformation involved.
The statement comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding the vice president, who is facing an impeachment trial before the Senate.
