A viral graphic circulating online falsely attributes a statement to Palace Press Officer and PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro, claiming she alleged that recent Luzon flooding was deliberately caused by people blocking canals. No credible recording, transcript, or official Palace release supports this claim, confirming the quote was fabricated.
The graphic surfaced on Facebook on August 19, 2026, as heavy southwest monsoon (Habagat) rains triggered severe flooding across Metro Manila, Luzon, and parts of Visayas. Despite generating 216 likes, 203 comments, and 6 shares, the AI-generated image lacked any video, interview, or official documentation to back its assertion.
Official reports from that same period show Castro discussing government response measures instead specifically focusing on drainage clearing, river and estero maintenance, pumping station operations, and coordination between the DPWH and Quezon City to clear floodwaters. Her actual recorded remarks bear no resemblance to the viral post’s claim.
The fake quote gained traction during intense weather conditions. On August 17, Metro Manila recorded 201.7 millimeters of rain in just five hours, inundating roads in Manila, Quezon City, and Malabon, which severely disrupted transit and communities.
The deluge renewed public debate over long-standing infrastructure and drainage issues. The political backdrop further amplified attention, as Sen. Jinggoy Estrada faced scrutiny over flood-control project anomalies, while allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte called for investigations into mitigation funds amid Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment proceedings.
This instance highlights how quickly unverified quotes can spread during high-stress public crises, underscoring the need to verify viral social media claims against official transcripts, primary recordings, and established news reports before sharing.
