A Vlogger’s Bombshell: Pebbles Cunanan Accuses Harry Roque as Mastermind Behind AI-Manipulated ‘Polvoron’ Video Targeting President Marcos

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In a gripping and highly controversial twist that has rocked the nation’s political landscape, vlogger Vicente “Pebbles” Cunanan has dropped a bombshell during the third House Tri-Committee hearing, accusing former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque of being the mastermind behind the now-infamous “polvoron” video targeting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

What began as a viral clip alleging illegal drug use by the President has now evolved into a full-blown political scandal involving artificial intelligence, disinformation warfare, and a damning affidavit.

The ‘Polvoron’ Video Scandal Unmasked

The so-called “polvoron” video—named after the Filipino powdered milk treat—depicted what appeared to be President Marcos snorting a white substance, causing widespread speculation of drug use just days before his 2024 State of the Nation Address. The video sent shockwaves through social media and mainstream news outlets, feeding into narratives questioning the President’s credibility and fitness for office.

But as the frenzy around the video intensified, so did skepticism over its authenticity. Investigations conducted by both the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed that the video was in fact a deepfake—painstakingly manipulated using artificial intelligence to replicate the President’s facial features and movements.

The Vlogger’s Testimony: A Night of Deception

Now, Cunanan claims to know exactly where the video came from—and who planned its spread.

In a sworn affidavit submitted to Congress and during public testimony, Cunanan alleged that it was none other than Atty. Harry Roque who first presented the video to a select group of vloggers during a private dinner.

“Si Atty. Harry Roque ang orihinal na pinagmulan ng polvoron video at ang siyang nagpakalat nito sa publiko upang sirain ang kredibilidad ng pangulo,” Cunanan declared before the Tri-Committee.

According to her, the dinner was not just a social gathering—it was a calculated strategy session to launch a digital smear campaign against the sitting President. Roque allegedly described how the AI-generated clip could ignite a political firestorm capable of dismantling Marcos' support base and shaking public trust at its core.

The Forensic Proof: Deepfake Technology Exposed

The “polvoron” video was examined by AI and misinformation experts from the Deepfakes Analysis Unit and the Misinformation Combat Alliance, who confirmed that advanced face-swapping techniques were used. Tools like SensityAI and HIVE detected multiple instances of frame-by-frame manipulation, with voice and facial movements inconsistently synchronized—a clear sign of artificial tampering.

Despite its apparent authenticity at first glance, the technology behind the video was exposed, and the so-called smoking gun lost its sting. Yet, the damage to the President's public image had already been done—and the question of accountability loomed large.

Roque’s Response: A Denial Amid Disbarment Threats

Atty. Harry Roque has denied all allegations, insisting that he is a victim of political harassment. In media interviews and public statements, he claimed his right to free speech and criticized the hearings as a form of character assassination. He maintained that he only came across the video online and did not produce or distribute it intentionally.

But Roque now faces a disbarment petition filed with the Supreme Court, based on his alleged involvement in the video’s creation and dissemination. The complaint argues that as an officer of the court and former public servant, Roque’s actions—if proven true—represent a grave ethical breach.

Weaponizing AI: The New Face of Political Warfare

What makes this saga particularly chilling is the role of artificial intelligence as a weapon in political warfare. The “polvoron” video was not just an internet hoax—it was a sophisticated attempt to reshape public opinion, destabilize leadership, and manipulate national consciousness.

If Cunanan’s accusations are proven true, it could mark one of the first documented cases of AI deepfake technology being used in a targeted disinformation campaign against a sitting head of state.

The hearings have since escalated into a broader investigation on the weaponization of digital tools and the state’s vulnerability to AI-generated content.

A Wake-Up Call for the Nation

As the House Tri-Committee continues to dig deeper into the tangled web of lies, technology, and political ambition, the Filipino people are left to grapple with a sobering truth: the future of disinformation is no longer theoretical—it’s already here.

The “polvoron” video is not just a scandal—it’s a symbol. A symbol of the rising tide of digital deceit, where truth can be digitally erased, and reputations can be rebuilt or ruined at the click of a button.

In the battle between truth and manipulation, the stakes have never been higher.

And as for the mastermind—if Pebbles Cunanan’s sworn testimony is to be believed—then Atty. Harry Roque may soon find himself facing not just disbarment, but the full weight of legal and public accountability.

This is not just a political thriller. It’s real life—and the drama is far from over.

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