Manila: Senate President Vicente Sotto III denied social media posts falsely claiming that he proposed new tax measures targeting workers and content creators. Sotto clarified that the viral posts circulating online, which quote him as saying that small and big content creators should be taxed 50 percent or that workers should be paid daily instead of monthly, are completely fabricated.

According to Philippines News Agency, Sotto issued a statement addressing the misinformation, highlighting the numerous and coordinated circulation of fake news regarding tax measures allegedly proposed by him. He emphasized that during his tenure in the Senate, he has neither filed nor supported any proposals to increase or impose new taxes.

Sotto reiterated his stance on tax legislation, stating, "In my 24 years in the Senate, I have never proposed any tax measures. In fact, I have consistently voted against it." He urged the public to remain vigilant and to verify information before sharing it online.

In addition, Sotto addressed those spreading false information, expressing a hopeful message, "To those peddling fake news, ipagdadasal ko na lang kayo (I'll pray for you)." He also cautioned the public against easily believing false or malicious content on social media, advising, "Sa ating mga kababayan, huwag kayo basta maniniwala, lalo na pag masama ang balita (To our countrymen, do not believe easily, especially when the news is bad)."