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Vera Files
FormationMarch 2008; 16 years ago (2008-03)
FoundersEllen Tordesillas
Luz Rimban
Booma Cruz
Jennifer Santillan-Santiago
Yvonne Chua
Chit Estella
President
Ellen Tordesillas
AffiliationsInternational Fact-Checking Network
Websiteverafiles.org

Vera Files (stylized as VERA Files) is a non-profit online news organization in the Philippines,[1][2] known for its institutionalized role in fact-checking false information in the Philippines,[3][4] and as one of the news organizations most prominently targeted by intimidation and censorship due to its critical coverage of the Philippine government.[5][6][7][8] It is part of the International Fact-Checking Network of the Poynter Institute[9]: 64  and is one of Facebook's two Philippine partners in its third-party fact-checking program.[10]

The organization was founded in March 2008 by six veteran Filipino journalists, focusing on investigative journalism and in-depth reporting of Philippine social issues.[1] According to its website, the organization specializes in producing "research-intensive and in-depth reports in multiple formats, and the training and mentoring of journalists, students and civil society organizations, especially those whose opportunities for capacity building are scarce."[11]

History

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Founding and early work

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Vera Files was established in 2008 by six prominent Philippine journalists who all specialized in investigative reporting: Ellen Tordesillas, Jennifer Santillan-Santiago, Booma Cruz, Luz Rimban, Yvonne Chua, and Chit Estella.[2]

Tordesillas and Santillan-Santiago had started out as reporters during the dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos and then moved on to Ang Pahayagang Malaya and the Philippine Daily Inquirer, respectively.[2][12] Booma Cruz was a writer for Newsbreak and program manager of the TV program Probe Team.[13][14] GMA and ABS CBN reporter Luz Rimban, Malaya reporter Yvonne Chua, and Pinoy Times Editor in Chief Chit Estella had all previously also held senior posts at the Philippine Center.[15] Estella's exposés with the Pinoy Times were noted to have played a role in the ouster of Philippine President Joseph Estrada.[16]

The original idea of Vera Files founding members was to establish a newsmagazine in the style of George, a New York-based politics-as-lifestyle glossy which was active from 1995 to 2001. However, they decided to publish as a website instead, choosing the name “Vera Files” because they wanted the word “Truth” to be part of the organization's name.[2]

Vera Files released its first story—an exposé on a controversial agreement involving disputed territory—on March 9, 2008. The story was written by Yvonne T. Chua and Ellen Tordesillas and published by GMA News Online and Malaya.[17]

Interested in investigative and in-depth reporting, the founding journalists of Vera Files felt that accepting advertisements, which was the usual way Philippine media organizations earned their income, would result in a conflict of interest. Initially, they pooled their own money to pay for the new outfit's registration with the Philippines’ Securities and Exchange Commission, and then operated without a headquarters, meeting in restaurants and coffeeshops instead. Eventually, they decided to start looking for grants which fund press organizations.[2]

Vera Files’ early projects multiyear project on reporting on Persons with Disabilities, sponsored by The Asia Foundation with additional support from the Australian Embassy to the Philippines; American news organization Internews funded reporting to promote Environmental Protection[2] Reporters Without Borders later took Vera Files on as its Philippine partner for a media ownership project which sought to determine who were the owners of media in various countries.[2] The British Embassy in Manila also released a grant for VeraFiles to conduct training on Investigative Journalism for Philippine Non-Government Organizations.

An investigative report on the links between poverty and corruption by Diosa Labiste, Luz Rimban, and Chua for Vera Files was co-winner of the 20th Jaime V. Ongpin Awards for Excellence in Journalism in 2009.[18] Labiste was also awarded the Marshall McLuhan Fellowship by the Canadian Embassy.[18][19]

2011 saw the death of VeraFiles founder Chit Estella in a traffic accident in Quezon City near the University of the Philippines Diliman where she taught. The incident led Vera Files to take on a road safety promotion project, which was partly funded by the World Health Organization.[2]

Fact-checking project

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Vera Files co-founder Chua began the Vera Files' fact-checking project during the national elections in 2016. It started as a project by her students at the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communications, where Chua teaches as an associate professor.[20] The articles were then published on the Vera Files website under the "Is That So?" section.[20]

In 2020, Chua was given the Gawad Tsanselor para sa Natatanging Guro by the University of the Philippines Diliman for excellence in teaching, research and public service.[21]

Freedom of speech advocacy

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In 2020, Vera Files, Center for International Law, Lyceum of the Philippines University College of Law professors, Foundation for Media Alternatives, and Democracy.Net.Ph filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to declare the Anti-Terror Law unconstitutional.[22] The petitioners contended that the law "infringes on the right to freedom of speech by making mere possession of objects and collecting or making of documents as acts of terrorism".[22]

Attacks on Vera Files and other media institutions

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In January 2018, Vera Files was hit by a prolonged Internet Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) cyber attack 30 minutes after it published an article about then president Rodrigo Duterte and mayor Sara Duterte's financials.[7][8] Malacañang condemned the cyber attack on Vera Files afterward.[23]

After the announcement by Facebook that it became a fact-checking partner was made in April 2018, Vera Files, along with Rappler, became the target of attacks by Diehard Duterte Supporters, digital influencers, and internet trolls aligned with the administration of Rodrigo Duterte.[24]

In December 2021, Vera Files, along with ABS-CBN News and Rappler experienced additional DDoS cyberattacks that appeared to have been politically motivated and possibly related to the upcoming national elections.[25][26] Unusual traffic on Vera Files' website was detected by website security service Deflect.ca on pages relating to electronic cigarettes and social media fact-checks relating to then presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos.[27] The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines called on the government to investigate the attacks.[28]

Aside from Vera Files, other news sites involved in fact-checking initiatives were also hit by DDOS attacks, such as Mindanao Gold Star Daily, Interaksyon, PressOne.PH, and ABS-CBN News.[29] GMA News Online, CNN Philippines, Bulatlat, Kodao Productions, and Pinoy Media Center were also the targets of similar attacks.[30]

Members of the Philippine Congress called for an investigation over the increasing cyberattacks on the media outfits.[31] The International Federation of Journalists also condemned and demanded an investigation of the cyberattacks.[32]

Partnerships and affiliations

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In 2017, Vera Files became the first news organization in the Philippines to be a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network at Poynter.[33][34][35] To be a verified signatory of the IFCN, an organization is required to be non-partisan and fair, transparent about their sources, funding and organization, methodology, and have an open and honest corrections policy.[36][10]

In April 2018, social media company Facebook tapped Vera Files and news website Rappler to be part of its third-party fact-checking program in the Philippines.[37][38][39] The program aims to help Facebook flag or identify false news stories shared by people on its social media platform. Facebook Pages that share false news stories repeatedly will also be seen less on people's news feeds. The program, according to Vera File's announcement, "is in line with Facebook’s three-part framework to improve the quality and authenticity of stories in the News Feed."[38] Journalism professor Luis V. Teodoro explained the timing and context of the program, noting how the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte had been antagonistic toward Vera Files and Rappler for fact-checking lies made by Duterte and other government officials.[40] Rodrigo Duterte and members of his government like then Presidential Communications Operations Office undersecretary Lorraine Badoy-Partosa accused the two Philippine-based fact-checkers of Facebook of being biased.[41][42]

In February 2019, Vera Files joined Tsek.ph, the pioneering collaborative fact-checking journalist and academic consortium spearheaded by the University of the Philippines to combat disinformation.[43][44] The partnership also included Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, ABS-CBN, Interaksyon, Philippine Star, Probe Productions, Radio World Broadcasting, and Rappler.[45]

Vera Files is a member of the Global Investigative Journalism Network.[24][46]

It is also used by Google as a trusted source of information to fact check claims on its platforms.[47]

In 2021, Vera Files and more than 40 other media groups and 300 journalists launched an election pledge to provide accurate and reliable information to Philippine voters ahead of the 2022 national elections.[48] Signatories to the pledge included community and independent journalists, as well as Rappler head Maria Ressa and ABS-CBN News senior vice president Ma. Regina Reyes.[48][49]

In September 2022, Vera Files and Taiwan FactCheck Center announced a collaborative initiative to address misinformation across countries.[50]

Chit Estella Journalism Awards

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In 2011, Vera Files announced that it was going to establish the Chit Estella Journalism Awards[51] to help uphold "ideals of excellent and principled journalism".[52][53] The announcement coincided with the opening of a photo exhibit to honor Estella at the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication.[51] Father Robert Reyes, Roland Simbulan, friends, relatives, and students also participated in a fun run called "Run for Road Safety, Justice for Chit Estella-Simbulan", held on the same day.[51]

Nominations for the first Chit Estella Journalism Awards were opened in September 2012.[52] Ina Alleco Silverio of Bulatlat and Elizabeth Lolarga of the Philippine Daily Inquirer received the First Chit Estella Journalism Awards, which were announced in December 2012.[54][55] The trophy given to the winners was designed by University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts' former dean Neil Doloricon.[55] Former Congress representative Satur Ocampo delivered the Chit Estella memorial lecture on human rights and journalism following the awarding ceremony.[54]

Publications

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In 2021, Vera Files published Tatlong Kuwento para sa Batang Pilipino (Three Stories for Filipino Children) by Vera Files co-founder Chit Estella.[56][57] Book illustrations were made by Jeanet Herbosana-Simbulan while the book cover was designed by Fidel L. dela Torre.[56]

In February 2022, Vera Files published a comic book that aimed to counter misinformation on health issues in the Philippines.[58]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Vera Files Fact Check". Countering Disinformation. Retrieved 2022-12-16.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Clarke, Judith (2022). Entrepreneurial journalism in Greater China and Southeast Asia : case studies and tools for media professionals. London. ISBN 978-1-315-27043-2. OCLC 1273728593.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  3. ^ Teodoro, Luis V. (2018-04-24). "Why fact check—and why Rappler and VERA Files". cmfr-phil.org. Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility. Retrieved 2022-12-18.
  4. ^ "In the Philippines, Journalists Confront Fake News and a Crackdown on Press Freedom". Nieman Reports. Retrieved 2022-12-20.
  5. ^ Crispin, Shawn W. (2019-05-21). "Rappler-CIA plot claim is attempt to cut funding, Philippine journalists say". Committee to Protect Journalists. Retrieved 2022-12-18.
  6. ^ "How governments use DDoS attacks to silence critics". Rest of World. 2022-04-26. Retrieved 2022-12-18.
  7. ^ a b Shahbaz, Adrian. "Freedom on the Net 2018: The Rise of Digital Authoritarianism". Freedom House. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  8. ^ a b Jamil, Sadia (December 2019). Handbook of Research on Combating Threats to Media Freedom and Journalist Safety. United Arab Emirates: Khalifa University. pp. 9–10. ISBN 9781799812982.
  9. ^ Ong, Jonathan Corpus; Cabañes, Jason Vincent A. (2018). "Architects of Networked Disinformation: Behind the Scenes of Troll Accounts and Fake News Production in the Philippines" (PDF). www.newtontechfordev.com. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 30, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  10. ^ a b Morallo, Audrey (April 16, 2018). "Vera Files, Rappler highlight membership in International Fact Checking Network". Philippine Star.
  11. ^ "About - Vera Files". Vera Files. Retrieved 2017-11-12.
  12. ^ "Being a reporter during martial law". September 2007.
  13. ^ "Newsbreak staff posts bail for Arroyo libel charge". 23 December 2006.
  14. ^ "Probe after 24 years". SunStar. 25 July 2010.
  15. ^ "A blessed, bountiful harvest - Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism". 20 July 2009.
  16. ^ "Chit Estella – UP Alumni Website".
  17. ^ "VERA FILES AT 10: 6 Philippine-occupied islands covered in Spratly agreements - Vera Files". Vera Files. Retrieved 2018-04-05.
  18. ^ a b "PCIJ, Vera Files win top honors in JVO awards". Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism. June 25, 2009. Retrieved 2022-12-20.
  19. ^ "Marshall McLuhan Fellowships". The Estate of Marshall McLuhan. Retrieved 2022-12-20.
  20. ^ a b "Journalist/educator Yvonne Chua honored with UP award". Tulay 橋. 2020-02-18. Retrieved 2022-12-20.
  21. ^ Samson, Celine Isabelle (February 7, 2020). "Vera Files co-founder is UP's 2020 Gawad Tsanselor sa Natatanging Guro awardee". Philippine Star. Retrieved 2022-12-18.
  22. ^ a b Patag, Kristine Joy (August 10, 2020). "CenterLaw, VERA files and Lyceum law profs assail anti-terrorism law". Philippine Star. Retrieved 2022-12-18.
  23. ^ "Filtered By: Topstories NEWS Palace condemns cyberattack vs. VERA Files". GMA News Online. January 23, 2018.
  24. ^ a b Chua, Yvonne T. (December 17, 2018). "Fact-checking under pressure: How Vera Files has dealt with the Duterte regime". Poynter Institute.
  25. ^ "NUJP condemns cyberattacks on media". Manila Bulletin. December 17, 2021.
  26. ^ Salazar, Cherry (March 15, 2022). "Press freedom alarm over treatment of Philippine media in 2022 elections". Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.
  27. ^ "Three Philippine media outlets face latest in a string of cyberattacks". Committee to Protect Journalists. February 1, 2022.
  28. ^ Clarin, Alyssa Mae (2021-12-18). "As elections loom, cyberattacks plague PH media". Bulatlat. Retrieved 2022-12-16.
  29. ^ Subingsubing, Krixia (March 17, 2022). "3 more news sites under cyberattack – NUJP". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  30. ^ Chua, Yvonne T. "2022 Digital News Report: Philippines". Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. University of Oxford. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  31. ^ "House probe sought into cyberattacks on media sites". Philippine Star. February 22, 2022.
  32. ^ "Philippines: CNN Philippines hit by cyberattack during presidential debate". International Federation of Journalists. March 4, 2022.
  33. ^ "Verified signatories of the IFCN code of principles". International Fact Checking Network. Poynter Institute. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  34. ^ Bartolome, Jessica (October 4, 2017). "NUJP to Thinking Pinoy's RJ Nieto: No place in gov't for barefaced liars". GMA News and Public Affairs. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
  35. ^ "Verafiles Incorporated from Philippines, IFCN compliance checks". International Fact Checking Network. Poynter Institute. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  36. ^ "ICFN commitments of code of principles". International Fact Checking Network. Poynter Institute. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  37. ^ "Meta/Facebook list of independent fact-checking partners, by country". Meta for Media. Facebook. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  38. ^ a b "Vera Files joins Facebook's third-party fact-checking program in PH". Vera Files. April 13, 2018. Retrieved 2018-04-13.
  39. ^ Magsambol, Bonz (April 12, 2018). "Facebook partners with Rappler, Vera Files for fact-checking program". Rappler. Retrieved 2018-04-13.
  40. ^ Teodoro, Luis (2018-04-24). "Why fact check—and why Rappler and VERA Files". Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility. Retrieved 2022-12-16.
  41. ^ Mogato, Manuel (April 16, 2018). "Philippines complains Facebook fact-checkers are biased". Reuters.
  42. ^ "PCOO protests Facebook partnership with Rappler, Vera Files". CNN Philippines. April 16, 2018. Archived from the original on April 19, 2018.
  43. ^ Camba, Meeko Angela (February 12, 2019). "Media groups, academe join forces in election fact-checking initiative". Vera Files.
  44. ^ Manalang, Bryan (January 24, 2022). "Tsek.ph expands alliance, underscores fact checking crucial ahead of May polls". Vera Files.
  45. ^ Lontoc, Jo Florendo B. (2019-02-13). "UP partners with universities and media orgs for 2019 elections fact-checking". University of the Philippines. Retrieved 2022-12-16.
  46. ^ "VERA Files (Philippines)". Global Investigative Journalism Network. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  47. ^ "Google Fact Check Explorer: Vera Files". Google Fact Check Tools. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  48. ^ a b Sandoval, Luisa (2021-07-17). "Filipino journalists, newsrooms unite to ensure integrity of 2022 election coverage". Bulatlat. Retrieved 2022-12-18.
  49. ^ "Philippine Media's Pledge for the 2022 Elections". MindaNews. 2021-07-17. Retrieved 2022-12-18.
  50. ^ Joshi, Shalini (September 20, 2022). "Addressing misinformation across countries: A pioneering collaboration between Taiwan FactCheck Center & VERA Files". Meedan.
  51. ^ a b c Chua, Yvonne (June 24, 2011). "Chit Estella Awards for Journalism launched". Yahoo News. Retrieved 2022-12-19.
  52. ^ a b "Chit Estella journalism awards open". ABS-CBN News. September 5, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
  53. ^ "Chit Estella awards for journalism". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 2011-06-25. Retrieved 2022-12-19.
  54. ^ a b "PDI, Bulatlat reporters win 1st Chit Estella Journalism Awards". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 2013-01-15. Retrieved 2022-12-19.
  55. ^ a b Ellao, Janess Ann J. (2012-12-14). "Bulatlat.com wins big in Chit Estella journalism award". Bulatlat. Retrieved 2022-12-19.
  56. ^ a b Lolarga, Babeth (August 12, 2021). "Chit Estella as children's storyteller". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved December 19, 2022.
  57. ^ "Late journo still coming up with gripping tales – for kids". Philippine Daily Inquirer. August 15, 2021. Retrieved 2022-12-19.
  58. ^ Manalang, Bryan (February 25, 2022). "VERA Files Komiks handbook to address worsening health disinformation in PH". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
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