Actress Kim Chiu is facing backlash from netizens following a manipulated viral video. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

Actress Kim Chiu has been caught in a social media storm after a viral video falsely implied that she suggested former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte “deserved” to be arrested. The controversy erupted after content creator Wilson Mapa Taganile Jr. posted a manipulated clip of Chiu from the noontime show It’s Showtime, where she was reading a scripted spiel. The edited video made it seem like she was making a political statement against Duterte. Taganile, a private security guard from Bonifacio Global City, later apologized to Chiu after realizing the misunderstanding. “Humihingi po ako ng sorry, Ma’am Kim Chiu. Script lang pala yung ‘deserve’ na sinasabi mo… Binura ko na po,” he wrote in his apology, admitting that he had been misled by his wife into believing the actress was criticizing Duterte.

Kim Chiu’s response, fake news fallout

Chiu quickly denied the allegations, posting a clarification on X (formerly Twitter): “Hoy! Kaloka kayo. Binasa ko lang yung script namin na spiels. Kayo talaga! GV GV lang tayo, spread kindness and good vibes (Hey! You guys are crazy. I was just reading our scripted spiels. You all are too much! Let’s just spread kindness and good vibes).” She also expressed disbelief at how her name was dragged in the political issue, begging people not to involve her in this. Despite Taganile’s apology, the damage was already done. Some of Chiu’s endorsement billboards in Davao were vandalized, with her face defaced in promotional materials for Julie’s Bakeshop. Supporters of Duterte accused her of making a veiled jab at the former president, despite her denial. Some online users even called for a boycott of her upcoming movie. Meanwhile, Chiu’s supporters have urged authorities to take action against the spread of fake news. “PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group must investigate this post. Hindi dapat i-tolerate yung ganitong content (This kind of content should not be tolerated),” netizen Miguel Uy commented. Others called for legal action, suggesting that Taganile should be sued for libel or defamation. “You are narrow-minded to believe your wife. Kim has nothing to do with what you claimed. You should be sued for libel,” another commenter, Nelia Sudario Gonzaga, wrote in Filipino. While Chiu has not confirmed whether she will take legal action, she emphasized the importance of fact-checking before sharing information online. “Please read the full context what is posted on Facebook,” she urged. Despite the controversy, Chiu remains focused on her upcoming movie My Love Will Make You Disappear, which screens in UAE cinemas starting on March 27. ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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