A short motorcycle taxi ride in Manila on Nov. 29 turned into a lesson on how political lies shape daily life, a young priest said, after a driver repeated claims he called “fake news.”
Fr. Francis Baasis, of the Diocese of Antipolo, shared the story online on Sunday, saying the driver told him protests at the EDSA People Power Monument involved “NPA” groups preparing to rally.
Baasis said he replied, “Those aren’t NPA, kuya,” explaining that priests, bishops and parish groups organized the demonstrations to demand accountability in public funds.
The driver insisted the clergy were “paid” to attack Vice President Sara Duterte — a claim Baasis said reflected how widely false stories spread through social media.
“The Church does not want to bring down the government,” Baasis said, adding that Church groups only want wrongdoing exposed and public funds protected from abuse.
Baasis said the driver then softened, admitting, “I voted for Bongbong before… but now I no longer support him,” after hearing reports that troubled him.
He wrote that the man shared confused accounts about “term sharing,” which the priest said illustrated how powerful groups shape public opinion by manipulating the “truth” for political gain.
Baasis eventually told the driver he is a priest, adding he would never accept money to attend protests and that he speaks out only “for truth and justice.”
He then asked, “Those who spread fake news… would they be willing to stake their souls?” — a question that brought sudden silence from the driver, said Baasis, who is also former director of the Antipolo diocese’s social communications ministry.
The priest said the driver remained quiet until the trip ended, and he hoped it meant the man was rethinking the stories shaping his views on national issues.
Baasis said he left believing “a small crack” in false beliefs can let light in, especially at a time when truth and accountability matter to many Filipinos.
