"ABS-CBN Fact Check is the fact-checking arm of ABS-CBN News, the news and current affairs production and distribution division of ABS-CBN Corporation.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/factcheck

ABS-CBN Corporation, formerly known as “ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation,” was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission with registration number 0000001803. ABS-CBN is one of the country’s leading media and entertainment companies. It affirms its mission of being in the service of the Filipino and all its stakeholders worldwide.

Please see links for the history of ABS-CBN Corporation (https://www.abs-cbn.com/who-we-are/our-story) and a list of its board of directors (https://www.abs-cbn.com/who-we-are/our-leadership).

Please see links for a copy of ABS-CBN Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation (https://www.abs-cbn.com/governance/articles-of-incorporation-as-amended-in-2014/id-2) and General Information Sheet (https://www.abs-cbn.com/governance/reports/general-information-sheet/general-information-sheet-for-fy-2021/id-136)

ABS-CBN is a sub-component of ABS-CBN News, which is the news division of ABS-CBN Corporation, a duly-registered media outlet in the Philippines. Their formal documents can be found here: https://www.abs-cbn.com/governance/articles-of-incorporation-as-amended-in-2014/id-2 and here: https://www.abs-cbn.com/governance/reports/general-information-sheet/general-information-sheet-for-fy-2021/id-136

It would be best to have these links in the About page of ABS-CBN Fact Check too.

1. The ABS-CBN Fact Check team was formed in December 2021 in time for the coverage of the May 2022 elections. This election was critical because not only it included elections for the president and vice president of the Philippines but also it was after the 2016 and 2019 elections when fake news and internet propaganda proliferated and were seen as having affected the public’s ability to choose their leaders. The initiative aims to help the Filipino people fight misinformation and disinformation spreading on social media and other platforms of information dissemination.

Prior to the creation of a dedicated fact checking team in December 2021, ABS-CBN News previously participated in the pioneering collaborative project of Tsek.ph during the 2019 elections. The fact checking team was also a member of Tsek.ph during the 2022 elections. Tsek.ph is an initiative of the academe and the media to counter disinformation (https://www.tsek.ph/).

2. The ABS-CBN Fact Check Team comprises 9 people:

Researcher (1) monitor dubious claims, gather, and verify information to produce fact check pieces. They also peer-review outputs, aside from the editor.

Editors (4) review the fact check outputs of researchers and give the final approval for posting on the website or social media platforms of ABS-CBN News.

Infographics specialists (2) create art cards for social media posting.

Social media editors (2) help in publishing fact check pieces on ABS-CBN News’ social media platforms.

3. Aside from posting fact check articles and art cards, ABS-CBN conducts fact check and media literacy training for students, especially future journalists. The training aims to make the participants aware of the continuous spread of disinformation and help them understand the role of the media and what they can contribute to fight disinformation.

4. ABS-CBN Fact Check aims to collaborate with more fact check organizations to strengthen the battle against disinformation. It will also explore making fact check contents in video format, in addition to the current fact check articles and art cards it produces. It will conduct more fact check and media literacy training to raise people’s awareness of the role of fact checkers to society. In line with these plans, fact checkers/researchers will continue to attend workshops and seminars to develop their skills.

ABS-CBN Fact Check is organized exclusively for the fact-checking operations of ABS-CBN News.

"The ABS-CBN Fact Check Team has consistently published fact check pieces, either in the form of news articles and art cards, in the past nine months. The team produced 157 fact check outputs, or an average of three a week, from December 16, 2021 to October 13, 2022.

Please see the google document link containing ABS-CBN’s list of published fact check pieces. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_DcmQ0aCjSFZ0fPjpl7OcqDuzNswnEF2thmVz5xGnm8/edit?usp=sharing 

ABS-CBN requests for a waiver for this criteria, citing unit downsizing as the primary reason for the decline in the number of fact checks published. This is reasonable, as ABS-CBN had been targeted by the Philippine government in recent years and has experienced massive restructuring as a result, even before their application in 2022. Their commitment to the principles of IFCN are also unquestionable. ABS-CBN has also identified concrete steps to ensure meeting the criteria in the future. I am endorsing their request for a waiver.

"Most fact check pieces produced by ABS-CBN Fact Check team are election-related because six (December 2021 to May 2022) of the 10 months it has operated are during the election period. Disinformation, especially when released during elections, could change voter behavior and paralyze the public’s ability to choose the right leaders. This, in turn, results in suboptimal outcomes, such as leaders promoting policies that do not benefit the public.

Aside from election-related issues, the team also produced several fact check pieces about other relevant topics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, typhoon, and financial aid scams.

Of the more than 150 fact checks published from Dec. 16, 2021 to Oct. 30, 2022, only 4-5 can be argued as not having an impact on public welfare. ABS-CBN Fact Check is compliant.

"ABS-CBN Fact Check has no commercial, institutional and financial relationship with the state. It did not receive any funding from politicians or political parties.

The revenue of ABS-CBN Corporation mainly comes from advertising and consumer sales from licensing and syndication of the Company’s films and programs library (you may view ABS-CBN’s Quarterly Reports here: https://www.abs-cbn.com/governance/reports).

Therefore, politicians can place advertisements during the election season as part of the Company’s regular course of business, but ad placements do not affect the editorial independence of ABS-CBN Fact Check and ABS-CBN News in general.

ABS-CBN's fact checks are nonpartisan as shown in the variety of topics they cover, the sources they use, and the formats they rely on. Their funding page also transparently shows their independence from foreign or local political actors.

he ABS-CBN Fact Check project accepts grants and sponsorships from non-partisan and independent organizations. To ensure the integrity of our work, we follow the following fact checking policy: https://news.abs-cbn.com/factcheck/policy 

As mentioned in 1.5, ABS-CBN Fact Check does not receive any funding from foreign or local political actors. They also have an integrity statement and a transparent methodology.

"HEALTH:

1. ‘Di totoong nakakapagpasa ng COVID-19 ang pagbabakuna

https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/03/21/22/fact-check-hindi-totoong-nakaka-covid-ang-pagbabakuna

2. Di totoong itinuturing ng US CDC na airborne ang monkeypox

https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/08/17/22/fact-check-hindi-totoong-airborne-ang-monkeypox

FINANCIAL AID:

1. May P10,000 ayuda nga ba sa mga magpaparehistro sa National ID?

https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/12/21/21/may-p10000-ayuda-nga-ba-sa-mga-magpaparehistro-sa-national-id

CALAMITIES:

1. Di totoong may nagbabanta nang super typhoon Caloy ngayong linggo

https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/05/05/22/fact-check-walang-nagbabadyang-super-typhoon-caloy

2. ‘Di mga larawan ng pinsala ng lindol sa Luzon noong Hulyo 27 ang kumakalat sa YouTube

https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/07/28/22/fact-check-di-ito-mga-kuha-ng-july-27-luzon-quake

HISTORY:

1. Walang basehan ang umano'y sabwatan ni Ninoy Aquino, Malaysia para sa Sabah

https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/05/18/22/umanoy-sabwatan-para-di-mabawi-ang-sabah-walang-basehan

https://www.tiktok.com/@abscbnnews/video/7100092796840742170?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en

2. Totoo ang $1.43 million na invoice na nakapangalan kay Imelda Marcos

https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/04/02/22/fact-check-totoo-ang-143-m-na-invoice-na-nakapangalan-kay-imelda

3. ‘Di si Cory Aquino ang pumirma ng batas para sa kontraktuwalisasyon

https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/06/15/22/fact-check-di-si-cory-aquino-ang-pumirma-ng-batas-para-sa-kontraktuwalisasyon

POLITICS/ELECTIONS:

1. Mali ang paratang na 'di naging abogado ng Sumilao farmers si Robredo

https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/04/12/22/fact-check-robredo-di-abogado-ng-sumilao-farmers

2. 18,000, hindi 500,000 ang dumalo sa UniTeam rally sa Las Pinas- PNP

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/14/22/fact-check-18000-hindi-500000-ang-dumalo-sa-uniteam-rally-sa-las-pinas-pnp

3. Hindi totoong diskwalipikado na si presidential frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

https://twitter.com/abscbnfactcheck/status/1523944191289552896

4. Peke ang YouTube channel na gumagamit ng pangalang 'Luke Espiritu'

https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/03/10/22/fact-check-peke-ang-luke-espiritu-youtube-channel

ABS-CBN Fact check covers mis- and disinformation not only about politics but also other topics that concern the public’s interest. The ABS-CBN Fact check team’s standard for fact checking is based on the IFCN’s code of principle, which the team has been using since it started in December 2021.

The team selects claims to fact check based on various criteria, including social media virality or impact and feasibility for fact checking. The team follows Tsek.ph’s 7-step process to ensure consistency in publishing outputs. Please see Criteria 5.1 for details.

Please see the link to ABS-CBN Fact Check landing page - https://news.abs-cbn.com/factcheck"

ABS-CBN Fact Check hyperlinks various sources to address wrong claims. Where applicable, they also use videos and art cards that directly correct the wrong claim and make the content more accessible. They address a wide variety of content targeting all sides of the political spectrum, demonstrating non-partisanship. They also provide hyperlinks to articles and source descriptions that contextualize the information related to the wrong claims being corrected, making it easy for audiences to verify the information themselves. The fact check itself contains only relevant information and no editorialization is observed.

"The criteria for fact checking and the process that the ABS-CBN Fact Check team follows in publishing fact check pieces can be found in our landing page, under the Methodology tab.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/factcheck/methodology 

ABS-CBN Fact Check hyperlinks various sources to address wrong claims. Where applicable, they also use videos and art cards that directly correct the wrong claim and make the content more accessible. They address a wide variety of content targeting all sides of the political spectrum, demonstrating non-partisanship. They also provide hyperlinks to articles and source descriptions that contextualize the information related to the wrong claims being corrected, making it easy for audiences to verify the information themselves. The fact check itself contains only relevant information and no editorialization is observed.

"ABS-CBN Fact Check identifies the relevant interests of the sources used in its fact check outputs. If applicable, the team also consults with experts on the topic related to the claim being fact checked to add information and context to the outputs.

We seek out the most authoritative sources and ensure that their identities and positions are disclosed so people can also assess their interest or agenda.

ABS-CBN Fact Check hyperlinks various sources to address wrong claims. Where applicable, they also use videos and art cards that directly correct the wrong claim and make the content more accessible. They address a wide variety of content targeting all sides of the political spectrum, demonstrating non-partisanship. They also provide hyperlinks to articles and source descriptions that contextualize the information related to the wrong claims being corrected, making it easy for audiences to verify the information themselves. The fact check itself contains only relevant information and no editorialization is observed.

ABS-CBN Corporation is not affiliated with any political party, candidate, or politician. Its news and current affairs production and distribution division, ABS-CBN News, is 100% independent.

ABS-CBN Fact Check hyperlinks various sources to address wrong claims. Where applicable, they also use videos and art cards that directly correct the wrong claim and make the content more accessible. They address a wide variety of content targeting all sides of the political spectrum, demonstrating non-partisanship. They also provide hyperlinks to articles and source descriptions that contextualize the information related to the wrong claims being corrected, making it easy for audiences to verify the information themselves. The fact check itself contains only relevant information and no editorialization is observed.

"Please see link to ABS-CBN Fact Check landing page, specifically the section “POLICY”

https://news.abs-cbn.com/factcheck/policy

ABS-CBN Fact Check follows the code of principle of the International Fact-Checking Network at Poynter dedicated to bringing together fact-checkers worldwide.

Please see link to IFCN’s code of principle: https://www.ifcncodeofprinciples.poynter.org/know-more/the-commitments-of-the-code-of-principles

We adhere to ABS-CBN’s company code of ethics and to the ABS-CBN Integrated News Standards and Ethics to uphold commitment to the highest standards of business, journalism and personal ethics in the conduct of every Kapamilya’s duties and responsibilities.

The ABS-CBN Fact Check team is unaffected by any agenda or biases. The team is nonpartisan and doesn’t have any political affiliations. The team does not accept money, bribes, or any sort of corruption. This violates Section 3.3.1 of our ethics policy (page 2).

3.3. Teamwork: Company Interest and transparency

3.3.1 Conflict of Interest – Never accept any gift or favor if it would compromise professional judgement or suggest favorable or preferential treatment. The company will not tolerate any activity related to bribery, corruption or any direct or indirect request for any gift or any form of benefit/favor, in connection with any business, contract, application or transaction between the Company and any other party.”

Please see link to ABS-CBN’s code of ethics: https://www.abs-cbn.com/governance/policies/code-of-ethics/id-44

This also violates Section 4-1 (1) of ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs Standard and Ethics Manual, distributed to all staff members, which states that ABS-CBN journalists should avoid personal or the company’s conflict of interest. Potential conflict of interest, either personal or family, should be reported to the staff’s supervisor.

ABS-CBN INCA does not support any political party or group nor does it take sides in national and international disputes. 

ABS-CBN Fact Check hyperlinks various sources to address wrong claims. Where applicable, they also use videos and art cards that directly correct the wrong claim and make the content more accessible. They address a wide variety of content targeting all sides of the political spectrum, demonstrating non-partisanship. They also provide hyperlinks to articles and source descriptions that contextualize the information related to the wrong claims being corrected, making it easy for audiences to verify the information themselves. The fact check itself contains only relevant information and no editorialization is observed.

The ABS-CBN Fact Check team provides links of the sources cited in supplying evidence when fact checking dubious claims.

I reviewed and analyzed the last fact checks published per month from December 2021 to October 2022. As mentioned in criteria 2, ABS-CBN Fact Check hyperlinks various sources to address wrong claims. Where applicable, they also use videos and art cards that directly correct the wrong claim and make the content more accessible. The information presented comes from primary sources as much as possible. They address a wide variety of content targeting all sides of the political spectrum, demonstrating non-partisanship. They also provide hyperlinks to articles and source descriptions that contextualize the information related to the wrong claims being corrected, making it easy for audiences to verify the information themselves. The fact check itself contains only relevant information and no editorialization is observed.

The ABS-CBN Fact Check team always prioritizes the use of primary sources when verifying claims. The team also cites secondary sources when primary sources are not available or when providing additional information when verifying claims.

I reviewed and analyzed the last fact checks published per month from December 2021 to October 2022. As mentioned in criteria 2, ABS-CBN Fact Check hyperlinks various sources to address wrong claims. Where applicable, they also use videos and art cards that directly correct the wrong claim and make the content more accessible. The information presented comes from primary sources as much as possible. They address a wide variety of content targeting all sides of the political spectrum, demonstrating non-partisanship. They also provide hyperlinks to articles and source descriptions that contextualize the information related to the wrong claims being corrected, making it easy for audiences to verify the information themselves. The fact check itself contains only relevant information and no editorialization is observed.

The ABS-CBN Fact Check team use multiple sources to debunk claims. We also conduct interviews via phone, text or email aside from putting links from related articles.

I reviewed and analyzed the last fact checks published per month from December 2021 to October 2022. As mentioned in criteria 2, ABS-CBN Fact Check hyperlinks various sources to address wrong claims. Where applicable, they also use videos and art cards that directly correct the wrong claim and make the content more accessible. The information presented comes from primary sources as much as possible. They address a wide variety of content targeting all sides of the political spectrum, demonstrating non-partisanship. They also provide hyperlinks to articles and source descriptions that contextualize the information related to the wrong claims being corrected, making it easy for audiences to verify the information themselves. The fact check itself contains only relevant information and no editorialization is observed.

The ABS-CBN Fact Check team identifies the relevant interests of the sources used in its fact check outputs. If applicable, the team also consults with experts on the topic related to the claim being fact checked to add information and context to the outputs.

I reviewed and analyzed the last fact checks published per month from December 2021 to October 2022. As mentioned in criteria 2, ABS-CBN Fact Check hyperlinks various sources to address wrong claims. Where applicable, they also use videos and art cards that directly correct the wrong claim and make the content more accessible. The information presented comes from primary sources as much as possible. They address a wide variety of content targeting all sides of the political spectrum, demonstrating non-partisanship. They also provide hyperlinks to articles and source descriptions that contextualize the information related to the wrong claims being corrected, making it easy for audiences to verify the information themselves. The fact check itself contains only relevant information and no editorialization is observed.

"The ABS-CBN Fact Check is the fact checking arm of ABS-CBN News, the news and current affairs production and distribution division of ABS-CBN Corporation.

Since ABS-CBN Corporation is a publicly listed company, it is required to make its financial statements public through the Philippine Stock Exchange website and the company’s corporate page.

You may view ABS-CBN Corporation’s financial reports and other company reports here:

https://www.abs-cbn.com/governance/reports

Since the start of the fact checking initiative, we received two grants from international organizations:

1. INTERNEWS - An international nonprofit organization that supports journalists in tackling disinformation. This project ended on September 30, 2022.

2. MEEDAN - A technology non-profit that builds software and initiatives to strengthen global journalism, digital literacy, and accessibility of information for the world. This project ended on July 30, 2022.

ABS-CBN Fact Check has a dedicated page for its funding sources and its legal registrations.

"The ABS-CBN Fact Check is the fact checking arm of ABS-CBN News, the news and current affairs production and distribution division of ABS-CBN Corporation.

ABS-CBN Corporation is a publicly listed company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (company no: 0000001803). Lopez Inc., which serves as ABS-CBN Corporation’s parent company, operates as an investment entity of the Lopez Family.

Please see link to ABS-CBN Corporation’s General Information Sheet and public ownership reports here: https://www.abs-cbn.com/governance/reports

ABS-CBN and its Board of Directors commit to the principles of good corporate governance. It respects shareholder rights and complies with regulatory and legal requirements.

View ABS-CBN’s disclosures and policies here:

https://www.abs-cbn.com/investors/disclosures

https://www.abs-cbn.com/governance/policies 

ABS-CBN Fact Check shows its division's organizational structure as well as the corporations overall organizational structure. The methodology page also shows the editorial hierarchy and process for fact checks.

"Please see google doc link containing the biographies of ABS-CBN Fact Check Team.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/17Vg9l0AlzVVQnMa6cB2wNVj5BJ6jMWvtJOr_rvwhq2s/edit?usp=sharing

Our Fact checking policy includes the name of the editorial members of the Fact Check Team

https://news.abs-cbn.com/factcheck/policy

The Methodology tab explains our process before publishing a fact check.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/factcheck/methodology

Please see link to ABS-CBN’s Board of Directors and News organizational structure - https://www.abs-cbn.com/who-we-are/our-leadership 

ABS-CBN Fact Check shows the members' names and their positions in the editorial hierarchy.

"The ABS-CBN Fact Check Team does not include biographies of its members for reasons of their personal security.

Please see google doc link containing the professional biographies of the ABS-CBN Fact Check Team (https://docs.google.com/document/d/17Vg9l0AlzVVQnMa6cB2wNVj5BJ6jMWvtJOr_rvwhq2s/edit?usp=sharing)

ABS-CBN Fact Check shows the editorial board members' names and their positions in the editorial hierarchy. The other members are not named for security reasons.

"ABS-CBN Fact Check encourages the public to send dubious claims through various platforms, such as email, direct messages to our social media accounts, and a Google form.

Please see link to ABS-CBN Fact Check landing page, under section “CONTACT US”

https://news.abs-cbn.com/factcheck/contact-us 

ABS-CBN Fact Check provides the audiences with multiple means to reach them across different platforms. That said, they can include these details in each fact check for better accessibility.

"ABS-CBN Fact Check follows a 7-step process when verifying claims to ensure consistency in its fact check outputs. The team also follows the rating system of Tsek.ph, a collaborative fact-checking project for the 2022 Philippine presidential elections.

Please see link to ABS-CBN Fact Check methodology tab: https://news.abs-cbn.com/factcheck/methodology 

ABS-CBN Fact Check has a dedicated methodology and ethics page making transparent its process in evaluating and even correcting fact checks.

ABS-CBN Fact Check team assesses claims based on various criteria, including the claim’s virality and topics that affect public interest. The criteria are also stated in the produced fact check pieces.

Most of the issues fact checked are public interest issues or issues that are widely being talked about, demonstrating their commitment to check vital topics.

"ABS-CBN Fact Check ensures that there is consistency in the fact checks produced by following its methodology, criteria, and rating system.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/factcheck/methodology 

As mentioned in criteria 2 and 3, plenty of articles from different sources that contextualize and inform are used in their fact checks.

ABS-CBN Fact Check applies its standard for fact check, which is based on the IFCN code of principles and ABS-CBN’s code of ethics, and methodology to all of its fact check outputs, regardless of who made the claim being fact checked.

As mentioned in criteria 2 and 3, plenty of articles from different sources that contextualize and inform are used in their fact checks.

If possible, the ABS-CBN Fact Check team always reaches out to the people who have made the claim it is verifying, as well as, the people who might possibly be affected by it. If these individuals do not respond, the team states it in its fact check output.

As mentioned in criteria 2 and 3, plenty of articles from different sources that contextualize and inform are used in their fact checks. When applicable, primary sources are used. Fact checks are still made in a timely manner.

"ABS-CBN Fact Check gives options to users in sending claims to fact check. Users may send a direct message to the team’s social media page, answer a Google form or send the claim to our email.

Once the fact check has been produced, the user who submitted the claim will receive a reply along with the fact check output. Users will be informed if the submitted claim is not feasible to fact check. ABS-CBN Fact Check’s methodology and criteria for fact checking can also be accessed on our website.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/factcheck/methodology 

ABS-CBN Fact Check has a tip line encouraging audiences to send in claims themselves, as well as other means of reaching the team. Audience-submitted fact checks also come with notices for those who submitted so they are informed that their request was addressed.

"In case an error is spotted in one of our fact-checks, readers may send a correction complaint to our email or social media pages, to which the team will assess within 24 hours. If a correction has been made, the team will immediately correct the fact check and include an editor’s note to explain the error being corrected.

Although ABS-CBN Corporation has a broadcasting division, our corrections policy is posted on the website since our fact check pieces are published on the website or social media platforms of ABS-CBN News.

For the complete process of our corrections and errors handling, please see link to ABS-CBN Fact Check’s landing page, under “CORRECTIONS LOG” - https://news.abs-cbn.com/factcheck/corrections-log 

ABS-CBN Fact Check has a correction policy and even a correction log so audiences can see. This demonstrates the outlet's commitment to transparency and rigor in maintaining information quality.

"Included in the ABS-CBN Fact Check correction policy is the process in handling correction complaints. When a correction complaint has been made, the team will reassess the fact check and will be corrected if indeed an error has been made. An editor’s note will also be placed on the corrected output to explain the error made.

Fact Checks posted on social media will be deleted and reposted with an explanation for the error.

ABS-CBN Fact Check has a clear correction policy and a correction log. Correction criteria are included in the correction log. Errata / editor's notes are posted with the corrected fact checks, while the errors are removed. That said, they have yet to receive any correction requests.

"In case an error is spotted in one of our fact-checks, readers may send the link of the fact check piece to our email factcheck@abs-cbn.com and include a short explanation for the error. The team will reply to the corrections appeal at least 24 hours after receiving the notification. If there is indeed an error the Fact Check team will correct the article and put an editor’s note for the readers.

At the time of writing, the ABS-CBN Fact Check Team has not received a correction request since it started in December 2021.

While ABS-CBN has a correction policy and log, they have yet to receive any correction requests.

ABS-CBN is not an existing signatory of the IFCN.

ABS-CBN is applying to be a signatory for the first time. ABS-CBN Fact Check also declares its adherence to IFCN standards, as found here: https://news.abs-cbn.com/factcheck/policy

"The Fact Check team also follows the correction policy of ABS-CBN as stated in our Standards and Ethics Manual which is given as a hardcopy to every member of staff, reporters, and anchors upon starting in the company.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/factcheck/corrections-log

The steps to be taken if there are complaints are enumerated in Section 6-24 of the Manual.

Under our new standards and ethics and updated social media guidelines, we follow this process in handling complaints and corrections:

Complaints from any quarter - a source, an audience, a member of the public, or a colleague in another part of ABS-CBN - must be investigated urgently so that immediate corrective action can be taken if it proves to be well founded. Complaints that cannot be immediately investigated must be acknowledged at once and followed up quickly. They should be handled at a senior level on the Desk.

We get back to the complainant, even if only to advise that the matter is still under consideration if it appears it will take some time to decide on a course of action.

When it has been determined that a significant factual error was made in reporting or if the report needs clarifying, the specific program or unit is responsible for writing and airing that connection or clarification on the specific program in which the error occurred.

As per our protocol on handling errors, we append an editor’s note explaining and apologizing every time we update a story to correct a factual mistake. 

ABS-CBN follows a standards and ethics manual, which members of ABS-CBN Fact check also follow. ABS-CBN Fact Check also declares its adherence to IFCN standards, as found here: https://news.abs-cbn.com/factcheck/policy