As the political tide shifts in the Philippines, the one time, 2017, Davao City Mayor Sebastián “Baste” Duterte finds himself not only in the spotlight because of his last name but also due to the controversies surrounding the West Philippine Sea. This latest chapter in his family’s political saga has unfolded against the backdrop of claims of propaganda that are distorting the truth about China’s expanding influence in the region.

Baste, the youngest son of the iron-fisted former President Rodrigo Duterte, has a knack for turning heads with his carefree surfing lifestyle, but it’s his recent comments that have drawn sharper scrutiny. In a dismissal of legitimate concerns regarding the Philippines’ sovereignty over the contested waters, he boldly declared, “That’s just propaganda.” The question that lingers is, what kind of propaganda is he selling?

By downplaying the threats from China—which has increasingly acted like an overbearing neighbor, pushing its way into Philippine territory—Baste appeared to be flirting with the idea of the Philippines as a satellite state to China. Going down that road echoes the dismal experiences of Soviet satellite states from decades past, where the local populace endured oppression under the weight of heavy-handed control. For most, being treated as a pawn on a larger chessboard didn’t exactly yield prosperity or safety; rather, it left them in a dire state of affairs.

While Baste seems content to ride the waves, the rhetoric coming from his camp raises alarm bells—especially with reports of questionable narratives shaping national discussions. A notable current mention is the overhyped Chinese “DeepSeek,” a tool that some media outlets like Reuters jumped on, heralding it as the latest in propaganda warfare. But let’s keep our critical goggles on; it might not be the evil genius it’s made out to be. Before taking someone’s word for it, take a closer look. How much credence does DeepSeek genuinely deserve in this growing narrative of misinformation?

As the Philippine media grapples with a myriad of these stories, it faces an uphill battle against disinformation that sometimes feels more like shadow boxing. Public sentiment remains a mixed bag—distrust looms large, as many Filipinos fail to distinguish between fact and fiction. Baste’s casual dismissal of real threats, coupled with the flood of AI-tainted narratives, sets the stage for confusion. One must wonder if his chill demeanor is a reflection of ignorance or an intentional maneuver to deflect attention from the reality lurking beneath the surface.

With the landscape growing more contentious, the question remains: Who will rise to the occasion? Will Baste embrace the weight of his familial legacy or let the currents of history sweep him further from shore? As we navigate this murky political sea, let’s remember that amidst their power struggles, the Filipino people deserve transparency and truth.

It’s said that truth is the first casualty of war, and in today’s battles of influence and misinformation, it’s more crucial than ever to cut through the noise. So while Baste may enjoy the surf, we must keep our eyes fixed on the horizon and steer our vessel toward clarity.

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.

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