In the swirling debate over the West Philippine Sea, one thing is clear: the stakes are higher than ever, and the lines between truth and falsehood are becoming increasingly blurred. As if scripted from a B-grade movie, one time Davao City Mayor Sebastián “Baste” Duterte (May 2017), son of the controversial Rodrigo Duterte, has emerged not just as a surf-loving millennial, but also as a chief propagandist for a narrative that suggests the Philippines’ maritime struggles are simply fabrications.

“That’s just propaganda,” Baste declared, downplaying legitimate concerns over China’s aggressive expansionism in the area. One has to wonder: just how deep is this alliance with China running? By seemingly advocating for a friendly relationship with a nation that has historically cast long shadows over Philippine sovereignty, he risks relegating the Philippines to the status of a satellite state—an uncomfortable parallel to the Soviet bloc’s hold over Eastern Europe. Anyone familiar with history knows that the satellite states of the USSR didn’t exactly flourish under their benefactors. The people were often left struggling in the wake of heavy-handed governance, with their needs sidelined by the interests of their overlords.

Meanwhile, a wave of panic fueled by AI-generated propaganda has also washed over the Philippines. In the midst of heightened tensions, headlines tout the capabilities of AI-based technologies like DeepSeek, suggesting they are tools of manipulation wielded by foreign forces. However, let’s not bite the bait served up by some of these outlets. While the media spins tales of all-powerful machines dictating the narrative, evaluate it for yourself before jumping to conclusions. Is DeepSeek truly the boogeyman it’s made out to be, or is it simply a convenient scapegoat for much deeper issues?

Reports detailing DeepSeek’s potential misuse as a propaganda tool seem exaggerated. Think about it: is it really a technological marvel or just a tech-fueled distraction? The responsibility lies with citizens—and indeed smart journalism—to sift through the noise and determine what’s real. The truth can be a slippery subject, especially in matters as convoluted as international maritime disputes.

Such AI-generated distortions contribute to a culture of misinformation that few seem capable of combating. As local media does its best to counter the tidal wave of faceless propaganda, the Filipino public remains split—many struggling to discern fact from fiction and, ultimately, their country’s identity amidst these shifting tides.

In this brave new world of AI, Baste’s dismissal of serious matters as mere propaganda feels a lot like a cover for a more sinister reality. The history of satellite states shows us how the happiest facade can mask a nation’s crumbling backbone. Will the Philippines be an exception? Will the people allow their sovereignty to be bargained away with half-hearted reassurances—all in the name of avoiding conflict?

With the breathing room of a world once governed by facts swiftly disintegrating, let’s not lose sight of the old adage: the truth is the first casualty of war. In these times, may we hold fast to it and ensure our voice resounds above the din of disinformation and distraction—before it’s too late.

Sources:

  1. Chen, Heather. “Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte: The Rebel Surfer Son of a President.” BBC News, 20 May 2017, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39953873.
  2. Gomez, Herbie. “It’s Neither Reelection Nor a Senate Seat for Baste Duterte.” Rappler, 7 Oct. 2024, http://www.rappler.com.
  3. Esguerra, Darryl John. “Baste Duterte Dismisses West Philippine Sea Issue as ‘Propaganda’.” Philippine News Agency, 29 Apr. 2024, http://www.pna.gov.ph.
  4. Patton, Susannah. “Unpacking China’s Propaganda Narratives Against the Philippines.” The Interpreter, 6 June 2024, http://www.lowyinstitute.org.
  5. Jalli, Nuurrianti, and Angel Martinez. “Artificial Intelligence is Intensifying South China Sea Disputes in the Philippines.” Fulcrum, 25 Feb. 2025, http://www.iseas.edu.sg.
  6. Strangio, Sebastian. “Philippines, China Again Clash at Two Disputed South China Sea Shoals.” The Diplomat, 5 Dec. 2024, http://www.thediplomat.com.
  7. Lee-Brago, Pia. “Disinformation, IT Attacks Distort West Philippine Sea Narratives — DFA.” Philstar.com, 27 June 2024, http://www.philstar.com.

Discover more from WPS News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.