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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Malabon LGU flags manipulated AI-generated image

Malabon LGU flags manipulated AI-generated image

Published Mar 29, 2026 10:11 pm
The local government of Malabon has debunked a viral social media image showing Mayor Jeannie Sandoval’s face on a tarpaulin with a Holy Week greeting.
The image depicted Mayor Sandoval in the likeness of the Virgin Mary.
A separate post quoted the mayor as saying she approved of the tarpaulin’s design.
The local government disproved both posts, flagging them as manipulated and AI-generated content.
“Mariin naming pinabubulaanan ang kumakalat na larawan ng umano’y tarpaulin ni Mayor Jeannie Sandoval na kahalintulad ng Mahal na Birheng Maria. Ito ay hindi totoo at batay sa aming pagsusuri ay Al-generated at manipuladong nilalaman na hindi nagmula at hindi inaprubahan ng tanggapan ng Punong Lungsod (We strongly refute the circulating image of Mayor Jeannie Sandoval’s alleged tarpaulin resembling the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is not true and based on our analysis is Al-generated and manipulated content that did not originate from and was not approved by the Office of the Mayor),” the Malabon LGU said in a statement.
The city government also cited compliance with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2026-006, which orders the removal of names, faces, and identities of political figures from government projects, tarpaulins, and signboards.
“Malinaw na ang kumakalat na imahe ay hindi lehitimo at walang kaugnayan sa alinmang opisyal na programa o komunikasyon ng lungsod (It is clear that the image being circulated is illegitimate and has no connection to any official city program or communication),” the city government stressed.
It also flagged the creation and use of such images as sacrilegious, noting that Mayor Sandoval is a devout Catholic.
“Bilang isang debotong Katoliko, hindi kailanman gagawa o papayag si Mayor Jeannie Sandoval sa anumang makalalapastangan sa ating pananampalataya (As a devout Catholic, Mayor Jeannie Sandoval will never do or allow anything that would desecrate our faith),” the local government said.
“Ang kumakalat na pahayag ng umano’y paghingi ng paumanhin ay peke at hindi rin nagmula sa Mayor o sa alinmang opisyal na channel (The circulating statement of alleged apology is fake and did not come from the Mayor or any official channel),” it added.
The Malabon LGU also urged the public to be critical of social media posts and to verify information before sharing.

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