(Manila, 26th) — After the impeachment case against Philippine Vice President Sara was returned to the House of Representatives by the Senate, two street interview videos—one supporting and one opposing her impeachment—have sparked an online opinion war. However, both videos were actually generated by artificial intelligence.
One of the videos shows a young male student questioning, “Why target the Vice President?” and claiming that Sara's impeachment is politically motivated.
The other video features an elderly fish vendor woman scolding the Senate for dereliction of duty for not reviewing the impeachment case. She says: “If a poor person steals something, you want to lock them up immediately; but if the Vice President embezzles millions, you go all out to protect her.”
Both videos have garnered millions of views online. However, these are not real street interviews, but were created using Google’s AI video generation software, Veo. Upon closer inspection, a subtle “Veo” watermark can be seen.
Senocip, who made the “fish vendor woman” video, told AFP he spent only five minutes to complete the roughly eight-second-long video.
He said using AI characters allows people to better express their political positions while avoiding harsh criticism on social media platforms. “As long as you know the boundaries and do not mislead viewers, I don’t see a problem.”
The male student interview video was produced by the anonymous administrator of the Facebook page “Ay Grabe.” He said the AI character’s statements were adapted from the real thoughts of students.
Sara herself is unconcerned about the spread of such fake videos. She said: “It’s fine to share AI videos supporting me, as long as it’s not being used for profit.”
Sara’s political ally, Senator Dela Rosa, also shared the student’s video online, praising the young for “understanding what's happening better than adults.”
Experts point out that while some AI companies prohibit generating images of politicians, AI-generated videos of ordinary people expressing opinions exist in a gray area. Using AI-generated ordinary people to spread viewpoints can make certain ideas appear more popular than they really are.
Nonetheless, this technology is increasingly being used to influence public sentiment, put pressure on decision-makers, and distort democratic discourse. Experts warn that safeguards need to be in place to prevent abuse of such technologies.
The Philippine Senate impeachment court announced on Wednesday (June 25) that Sara’s impeachment case would be postponed until the House prosecution committee is restructured according to the rules of the new Congress.
Earlier this month, the Senate approved returning the impeachment case to the House to verify that the case is not unconstitutional and to ensure the incoming Congress is prepared to handle it. The new Congress will convene in July.
Sara faces four articles of impeachment—betrayal of public trust, violation of the Constitution, corruption, and plotting to assassinate President Marcos Jr. She has categorically denied all allegations.
One of the videos shows a young male student questioning, “Why target the Vice President?” and claiming that Sara's impeachment is politically motivated.
The other video features an elderly fish vendor woman scolding the Senate for dereliction of duty for not reviewing the impeachment case. She says: “If a poor person steals something, you want to lock them up immediately; but if the Vice President embezzles millions, you go all out to protect her.”
Both videos have garnered millions of views online. However, these are not real street interviews, but were created using Google’s AI video generation software, Veo. Upon closer inspection, a subtle “Veo” watermark can be seen.
Senocip, who made the “fish vendor woman” video, told AFP he spent only five minutes to complete the roughly eight-second-long video.
He said using AI characters allows people to better express their political positions while avoiding harsh criticism on social media platforms. “As long as you know the boundaries and do not mislead viewers, I don’t see a problem.”
The male student interview video was produced by the anonymous administrator of the Facebook page “Ay Grabe.” He said the AI character’s statements were adapted from the real thoughts of students.
Sara herself is unconcerned about the spread of such fake videos. She said: “It’s fine to share AI videos supporting me, as long as it’s not being used for profit.”
Sara’s political ally, Senator Dela Rosa, also shared the student’s video online, praising the young for “understanding what's happening better than adults.”
Experts point out that while some AI companies prohibit generating images of politicians, AI-generated videos of ordinary people expressing opinions exist in a gray area. Using AI-generated ordinary people to spread viewpoints can make certain ideas appear more popular than they really are.
Nonetheless, this technology is increasingly being used to influence public sentiment, put pressure on decision-makers, and distort democratic discourse. Experts warn that safeguards need to be in place to prevent abuse of such technologies.
The Philippine Senate impeachment court announced on Wednesday (June 25) that Sara’s impeachment case would be postponed until the House prosecution committee is restructured according to the rules of the new Congress.
Earlier this month, the Senate approved returning the impeachment case to the House to verify that the case is not unconstitutional and to ensure the incoming Congress is prepared to handle it. The new Congress will convene in July.
Sara faces four articles of impeachment—betrayal of public trust, violation of the Constitution, corruption, and plotting to assassinate President Marcos Jr. She has categorically denied all allegations.