A widely circulated image on social media purporting to show Filipinos protesting against Chinese products has been confirmed as fake. This misinformation comes amid rising tensions between the Philippines and China, particularly over the disputed South China Sea. The image, which features individuals holding signs reading “NO TO CHINESE PRODUCTS” and “PROTECT FILIPINO BUSINESSES,” was taken from a video posted on a social media page that specializes in AI-generated content.
The misleading image appeared on November 26, 2025, in a Facebook post by Sass Rogando Sasot, a blogger known for her support of former president Rodrigo Duterte. In her post, she addressed popular comedian Vice Ganda, whose real name is Jose Marie Viceral, suggesting that his cosmetics brand could face backlash. Vice Ganda has been outspoken against Duterte, drawing ire from some of his supporters.
The image has gained traction on various social media platforms, with many users mistakenly believing it depicts a real protest. Comments reflected discontent, with one user stating, “If these are the future of the Philippines, the country is doomed,” while another labeled the protesters as “stupid hypocrites.” Surveys indicate a significant number of Filipinos view China as the greatest threat to the nation, largely due to ongoing tensions over disputed reefs in the South China Sea.
Debunking the Misinformation
A reverse image search revealed that the visual in question is actually a still from a six-second video posted on November 22 by the Facebook page “Boycott Made in China,” known for anti-China AI-generated content. The screenshot from this video fails to depict an authentic protest.
Visual inconsistencies are evident, typical of AI-generated imagery. For instance, many of the purported protesters do not blink, and their mouth movements appear unnaturally stiff. Additionally, the hands of several individuals are distorted, with one woman wearing a red top having an oddly shaped right arm that seems to struggle to hold a placard.
To further confirm the image’s authenticity, Agence France-Presse (AFP) ran the video through the Hive Moderation AI detection tool, which assessed it with a confidence level of 99.9% as likely containing AI-generated or deepfake content. AFP has previously addressed and debunked various instances of misinformation concerning Philippine-China relations.
In light of these findings, it is crucial for social media users to critically evaluate content before sharing, especially in a context where public sentiment towards China is already fraught with tension. Accurate information is essential for fostering informed discussions about international relations and national interests.
