Probe, an independent media production company, is one of the pioneers in documentary producing in the Philippines since its inception in 1988. Founded by University professor turned broadcast journalist, Cheche Lazaro, Probe is the producer of trailblazing shows such as The Probe Team, 5 and Up, Cheche Lazaro Presents, Art-Is-Kool, Journo and more.

In its more than 30 year - run as a production company, Probe has put together an extensive collection of archival material. Probe Archives is now digitally converted and made accessible to the general public, most especially the new generation. 

Probe Productions Inc. is a newly registered stock corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The corporation is behind Probe, a media production company, which exists since 1988. The applicant has a website, apparently newly constructed, which contains information about its legal status. Its Facebook page is more developed and has more than 52,000 followers. Probe's Facebook page has links to its website.

Probe has always believed in the power of storytelling as a tool to educate and expose the truth. Unfortunately, socially-relevant issues like the proliferation of fake news and historical revisionism are hardly discussed on mainstream media.

Social media and the ever-evolving information – and disinformation – landscape are changing the way Filipinos form political opinions and choices. This is significantly evident in the 2022 elections as the rise of online media platforms like Tiktok, during one of the longest COVID-19 lockdowns in the world, saw the increase of users' dependency on the platform for viral, and trending content as entertainment. It was not long before fake news peddlers took advantage of Tiktok’s popularity—creating content as a bid to whitewash Philippine history—and branding false information as education.

Probe's Tsek / Eks Fact Checking Campaign which started in 2021, is a product of the team's desire to contribute to our media colleagues' efforts in fighting disinformation online. The overall idea is to create a fact-checking video series using our collection of archival footage that would stir interest among the audience. We thought of using a character 'Áunt Julie' through Probe's partnership with social media star, Macoy Dubs. This endeavor was also made possible by the grant Probe received through the Philippine Fact-Checker Incubator Project (PFCI).

The fact - checking team consists of one editorial head and writer, two supervising producers and two production assistants. A pool of researchers and interns help the team in gathering data and items for fact-checking given the parameters set by Probe. All team members involved in fact-checking underwent training following guidelines from Vera Files. The team members do research and verifying items for fact-checking daily. Supervising producers then vet these items before assigning these to the writer. Scripts and artcards are produced and submitted to supervising producers for checking. After finalizing, the video or art card is then uploaded on Probe's social media pages.

With the overwhelming amount of information in online media and the rampant spread of disinformation, Probe is committed to continue this effort targeting the youth.

Probe is an established media production company that banked on its expertise when it embarked on a fact-checking project in 2021. It joined a mentoring scheme to learn more about fact-checking and the fact-checking coalition for the May 2022 elections. Probe's production of video-series, with engaging storyline and character, is its distinct contribution to the emerging fact-checking forms in the Philippines. Its visual fact-checks are also attractive as they are relevant. By joining the fact-checking incubation project, Probe received support to set-up its fact-checking team that was mentored by an IFCN signatory, Vera Files. Probe joined Tsek.ph in 2021, along with 34 other media and civil society organizations, in a run up to the May 2022 elections that was marred by disinformation, misinformation, and historical distortion over social media platforms.

In the last twelve months, Probe's fact-checking campaign, Tsek/Eks, was able to produce 72 fact check pieces. 

Probe listed a total of 72 fact-checks, with the first one posted on November 8, 2021 and the last one on September 22, 2022. In the same period, the average output of Probe is six fact checks a month. The month which has the most number of fact checks  (11) was July 2022 while March 2022 has the least number of fact-checks (2). Probe application is within a country which has two verified signatories (Vera Files and Rappler),

These are the nine samples of fact-checks over the previous three months that were examined if they have an impact on the well-being and interest of the public.

July 2022

1)TSEK/EKS: Fake Martial Law Victim? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/1253741108497586

2) Tsek/Eks: Ay, may nasagap na naman tayong kuda ! Ayon sa tweet ng isang The Thinking Woke, si Rodrigo Duterte raw matapos si Ferdinand Marcos Sr. ang maraming proyekto. Ito ay kumpara sa iba pang naging mga Pangulo ng bansa https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.2327285387407498/2552221958247172/ 

3)  Maharlika raw ang unang pangalan ng 'Pinas, totoo ba? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/645711523236030

August 2022

1) "May mini-music video tungkol kay dating Pangulong Marcos bilang war hero. Nabanggit ulit ang mga medalya. Ilan nga kaya ito?" https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/441246094397516 

2) Isang sanggol daw ang namatay abroad dahil tinurukan ng Pfizer vaccine?  https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.2327285387407498/2566218153514219/

3) May papuri ang aktor na si Cesar Montano kay dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos. Ano kaya ito? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.2327285387407498/2560631264072908/ 

 September 2022

1) Hindi lang schools ang may graduation. Sa 4Ps, meron din. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/592766479206702

2) "‘I see sunlight filtering through dark clouds.’ Sabi ’yan ni President Bongbong Marcos. Naniniwala rin siya na ‘sound’ ang lagay ng bansa. Ikaw, ramdam mo ba?" https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/496142695849531  

3) "May isang impormasyon tungkol sa mga Marcos na kumakalat pa rin hanggang ngayon. Ano kaya ito, at totoo naman ba?" https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/1322209855183941 

The topics of the above fact-checks have got to do with historical facts, COVID-19, education, and governance. Majority of the fact-checks were about the issues concerning the Marcoses - the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and his son, now president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. -- and the myths surrounding the family, including the denial of accountability over human rights violations, abuse of power, and massive corruption throughput the 14 years under the Marcos dictatorship. The circulation of myths and false information were rampant during the election campaign period but they continued even after Marcos Jr. won as president. In other words, Probe's fact-checks mirrored the current state of disinformation and misinformation that were being passed off as relevant and accurate information by the Marcos administration and its social media supporters.

Our company, Probe Productions Inc, is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the Republic of the Philippines (Company Registration No. 151553) on May 24, 1988 with editorial and business offices at 16B Belvedere Tower San Miguel Ave, Pasig City.

Probe is an independent media production company whose directors and shareholders are private individuals. Funding for the company comes from selling and licensing of archival footage, content production and management for local and international television networks and organizations, monetization of social media content and grants.The board of directors of Probe do not exercise editorial control over Probe's content. 

Probe asserts its independence as a media organization by making public the information concerning its owners, sources of funds and editorial control. Based on its SEC registration papers, majority of the shares of Probe Productions are owned by Ms. Cheche Lazaro, the founder of Probe,  her husband, Mr. Delfin Lazaro, and the latter's holdings corporation (DLL Maunong Holdings Corporation) (https://reports.manilawater.com/2019/our-leadership/board-of-directors). From its SEC papers, there is no indication that it is controlled by the government, political party or politician.  Probe also provides a statement on its website stating how it ensures editorial independence of its fact-checks ("The board of directors of Probe do not exercise editorial control over Probe's content.").

Probe is an independent media production company whose directors and shareholders are private individuals. Funding for the company comes from selling and licensing of archival footage, content production and management for local and international television networks and organizations, monetization of social media content and grants.The board of directors of Probe do not exercise editorial control over Probe's content. 

Probe has maintained that content production and grants are the main sources of its revenues. The media organization has not declared any funding from government, foreign state funding or political sources. On its website, Probe asserted the editorial independence of its editorial work.

While the 2022 National Elections initiated the campaign, Probe fact-checks various subjects of interest that include Philippine history, government, economy, and COVID-19, all of which are in the parameters set. The fact-checking pieces were selected based on its relevance at the time of release. The conclusions were derived from official institutional documents, news articles from news media outlets, and Probe’s own collection of documentaries and raw footage. 

The applicant has provided a list of fact checks from a variety of subjects that are likely to be relevant to voters in the run up to the May 2022 elections. Ten fact checks altogether offered as evidence of non-partisanship and high standards. The fact checks cited a variety of sources including the government, media, and Probe's archive of documentaries and video footages when debunking false claims. The applicant did not provide an explanation how each fact-check listed were to show non-partisanship.

https://probe.ph/posts/tsekeks-a-fact-checking-campaign

https://probe.ph/posts/methodology-and-policy

On its website, Probe considers its verification work as "fact-checking campaign," to mean a commitment to eliminating disinformation and misinformation during the May 2022 elections. This resolve is apparent in the way it states the reason for engaging with fact-checking, which is deal with the effects of false information like "unnecessary discord, unhealthy discourse, and deliberate distraction."

The May 2022 Philippines election was unprecedented in the massive distribution of online disinformation and misinformation, often rendered in virulent language, attacking the candidates of the opposition and their supporters, and also the media. Small and independent media organizations, like Probe, focused on verifying information that were deliberately deployed to mislead, manipulate, and harm voters. Rather than fact-checking both camps, Probe and other small and independent organizations concentrated on fact-checking the Marcos-Duterte camp from where the lies appear to have emanated.

In its methodology, Probe said it scrutinized statement of public officials and held them accountable for their words, regardless of political affiliations. This means that Probe considers the reach, public interest and likely impact of the claims whenever it chooses a topic to be fact-checked.

The fact-check below were examined if the applicant discloses in its fact checks the sources it quoted so that the reader could weigh the accuracy and credibility of evidence used in debunking the claim. 

1. Si dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos daw ang may akda ng 1987 Constitution. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/641391743544104/

2. Uso na naman ang mga election survey. Pero may isang FB page na duda sa mga tao sa likod ng pollsters. https://twitter.com/probeph/status/1463070576264712196 

3. Dinoktor daw yung blind item ni President Duterte tungkol sa isang presidentiable na nagko-cocaine. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/posts/2364262770376426

4. Malaking karangalan daw para sa mga Marcos ang pamimigay ng masustansyang Nutribun sa mga pampublikong paaralan noong dekada sitenta. https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2379009482235088/?d=n 

6. Isang Facebook post ang nagsabing kung hindi si Ferdinand Marcos ang naka-upong pangulo noong nagkaroon ng krisis sa supply ng palay, marahil daw ay marami na ang namatay sa gutom https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2393895577413145/?d=n 

7. Isang netizen ang naninidigang walang kaso ng korupsyon si dating First Lady Imelda Marcos. Meron o wala? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/2710443469262629 

8. Kapanalig daw ng mga komunista si dating Senador Ninoy Aquino? https://twitter.com/probeph/status/1488728912368603137

9. Dating Presidente Corazon Aquino, wala raw ambag sa People Power noong 1986? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/338449418229638

10. Kamakailan kumalat online na kalahating milyon daw ang dumalo sa rally ng Uniteam sa Las Piñas noong March 14. https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2450410635094972/?d=n 

The topics chosen by Probe are the usual claims circulating on social media during the campaign period. The same claims were also verified by other fact-checkers within the Tsek.ph coalition. For example, the issue of nutribun (bread for school kids to arrest malnutrition), and the attempts to rehabilitate the discredited legacy of the Marcoses have kept appearing on social media pushed by supporters of the Marcos-Duterte camp. Probe appears to have focused more on claims that have gone viral and manipulated to favor the Marcos-Duterte political ticket.

When verifying the claims, the applicant provides the source of the evidence, in the form of video, text, or photograph,  so that the public could check its veracity.

As a media production organization, Probe observed news media guidelines of accuracy and reliance on research. Its Facebook page did not show any sign of political partisanship. In many of its fact-checks, it encouraged viewers to be question and contest claims they found out to be false and manipulated. 

1. Si dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos daw ang may akda ng 1987 Constitution. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/641391743544104/

2. Uso na naman ang mga election survey. Pero may isang FB page na duda sa mga tao sa likod ng pollsters. https://twitter.com/probeph/status/1463070576264712196

3. Dinoktor daw yung blind item ni President Duterte tungkol sa isang presidentiable na nagko-cocaine. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/posts/2364262770376426

4. Malaking karangalan daw para sa mga Marcos ang pamimigay ng masustansyang Nutribun sa mga pampublikong paaralan noong dekada sitenta. https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2379009482235088/?d=n

6. Isang Facebook post ang nagsabing kung hindi si Ferdinand Marcos ang naka-upong pangulo noong nagkaroon ng krisis sa supply ng palay, marahil daw ay marami na ang namatay sa gutom https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2393895577413145/?d=n

7. Isang netizen ang naninidigang walang kaso ng korupsyon si dating First Lady Imelda Marcos. Meron o wala? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/2710443469262629

8. Kapanalig daw ng mga komunista si dating Senador Ninoy Aquino? https://twitter.com/probeph/status/1488728912368603137

9. Dating Presidente Corazon Aquino, wala raw ambag sa People Power noong 1986? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/338449418229638

10. Kamakailan kumalat online na kalahating milyon daw ang dumalo sa rally ng Uniteam sa Las Piñas noong March 14. https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2450410635094972/?d=n 

Probe's evidence to debunk the claims in its video fact-checks came from its sources, its extensive library of video production and footages, and also public domain resources. 

https://probe.ph/about-us

The applicant has clearly set out a policy of non-partisanship for its staff on its website. The policy includes guidelines on avoiding conflict of interest in professional, business or personal dealings. It also has a policy that guides its staff whether or not to receive gifts and money from anyone. The guidelines would give readers an idea on how Probe staff members tried to avoid bias, conflict of interests, and other questionable acts that would compromise their independence. 

These randomly chosen fact-checks were examined to determine the applicant's use of sources as evidence. By providing links, readers will be able to verify if the evidence is valid, accurate, or credible. Moreover, they can also replicate the fact-checkers' work

1. Fake President daw si Cory Aquino. https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2344914818977888/?d=n

2. May nakakalasong ingredient daw ang Pfizer vaccine. https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2345825695553467/?d=n

3. Tinawag na “Girl Kontra” sa isang FB post si VP Leni Robredo. https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2347444545391582/?d=n 

4. Uso na naman ang mga election survey. Pero may isang FB page na duda sa mga tao sa likod ng pollsters.  https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/posts/2356107134525323

5. Isang Tiktoker ang kumukuwestiyon sa mga nagawa ni dating Pangulong Cory Aquino https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/posts/2364262770376426

6. Sabi sa isang FB page, marami raw ‘kuwentong kutsero’ ang Martial Law victims. Maraming nagpalista para makakuha ng danyos na pera https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2374220936047276/?d=n

7. A website is claiming vaccines have life - threatening side effects https://twitter.com/probeph/status/1482988876163874818

8. Ayon sa isang Facebook page, may epekto raw sa utak ang COVID vaccines. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/pcb.2404939562975413/2404939302975439/?type=3&theater 

9. Sinusuportahan daw ng Prime Minister ng New Zealand si presidential aspirant at anak ng yumaong diktador na si Bongbong Marcos? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/pcb.2417831568352879/2417830818352954/?type=3&theater

10. Ipinakilala bilang isang ekonomista ang presidential aspirant at anak ng dating diktador na si Bongbong Marcos. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/pcb.2438185832984119/2438185582984144/?type=3&theater 

The above fact-checks, mainly in infographic, included relevant links for online sources. The sources cited were often available online or in public domain.  When a source is a named person, i.e. human rights victim during the Marcos martial law era, the fact-check provides the context but does not include personal information that may compromise the safety of the interviewee. 

These fact checks were examined to determine if they are the best available primary sources or, if secondary sources, an explanation is given.

1. Fake President daw si Cory Aquino. https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2344914818977888/?d=n

2. May nakakalasong ingredient daw ang Pfizer vaccine. https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2345825695553467/?d=n

3. Tinawag na “Girl Kontra” sa isang FB post si VP Leni Robredo. https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2347444545391582/?d=n

4. Uso na naman ang mga election survey. Pero may isang FB page na duda sa mga tao sa likod ng pollsters. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/posts/2356107134525323

5. Isang Tiktoker ang kumukuwestiyon sa mga nagawa ni dating Pangulong Cory Aquino https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/posts/2364262770376426

6. Sabi sa isang FB page, marami raw ‘kuwentong kutsero’ ang Martial Law victims. Maraming nagpalista para makakuha ng danyos na pera https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2374220936047276/?d=n

7. A website is claiming vaccines have life - threatening side effects https://twitter.com/probeph/status/1482988876163874818

8. Ayon sa isang Facebook page, may epekto raw sa utak ang COVID vaccines. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/pcb.2404939562975413/2404939302975439/?type=3&theater

9. Sinusuportahan daw ng Prime Minister ng New Zealand si presidential aspirant at anak ng yumaong diktador na si Bongbong Marcos? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/pcb.2417831568352879/2417830818352954/?type=3&theater

10. Ipinakilala bilang isang ekonomista ang presidential aspirant at anak ng dating diktador na si Bongbong Marcos. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/pcb.2438185832984119/2438185582984144/?type=3&theater 

The assessor found out that while primary sources from Probe's archives are used for video fact-checks, the infographic fact- check used mainly online sources that are a mix of primary and secondary sources. Perhaps the sources were chosen because they are the best available ones but this practice should be improved. Probe's infographic fact-checks, because of their brevity, often mentioned one, two, or limited number of secondary sources, that are easily available. Some fact-checks concentrate on debunking the information but do not extend the explanation to provide context to the issue, or relate the false claim to the similar claims and the larger issues where it could have originated or associated. 

The following fact-checks were examined to determine if the applicant checked the elements of the claims against more than one source, except in cases when only one is relevant.

1. "May balita ulit tungkol sa mga bakuna. According to one netizen, experimental pa raw ang COVID-19 vaccines. Hindi nga?" https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/1021886371868168/

2. Wala raw pera ng gobyerno na ginamit si dating First Lady Imelda Marcos https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/pcb.2463734073762628/2463733757095993/?type=3&theater

3.Hindi raw mapipilit ang pamilya Marcos na bayaran ang P203 bilyong estate tax nilang utang. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/posts/2477645219038180

4. Sabi ng isang netizen, ‘Tiger of Asia’ raw ang Pilipinas during the regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/667772887649769 

5. Dahil ang balita namin, ‘yung mga bonggang gusali at programang naipagawa noon ng yumaong diktador, ‘di na raw mapakinabangan ngayon? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/1055516958651757

6. Tsek/Eks: Ang photos ni presumptive president and VP Bongbong Marcos at Sara Duterte – nasa isang world landmark daw. Bongga! https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/pcb.2500467013422667/2500466903422678

7. Tsek/Eks: May chika na naman tayong nasagap. May unliquidated funds raw ang Office of the Vice President? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.353353928133997/2526802407455794  

8. "Uy. Pasado na raw ang batas na magpu-push sa P820 minimum wage sa Central Luzon. Good news noh? Pero wait, fact #tsek muna bago mag-celebrate" https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.2327285387407498/2533820766753958/ 

9. May sumbat ang isang Facebook user. Hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit maraming puna kay dating Presidente Marcos. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.2327285387407498/2534656476670387/ 

10. "May nag-tweet na naman! Ang jewelry collection daw ni dating First Lady Imelda Marcos, regalo lang ng mga maharlika niyang kaibigan? Ma-fact #tsek nga." https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.2327285387407498/2568392383296796?_rdc=1&_rdr 

The assessor evaluated the above fact-checks and noted that some fact-checks have only a single source as evidence while other fact-checks have two or multiple sources. There are also infographic fact-checks where sources mentioned were not cited or given proper attribution. While there is no question about the verification  process and rating involved,  the applicant should indicate the origin of the sources even if they were taken from its own archives or library.

The following fact checks were examined to see if the applicant identifies the relevant interests of sources they use. 

1. "May balita ulit tungkol sa mga bakuna. According to one netizen, experimental pa raw ang COVID-19 vaccines. Hindi nga?" https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/1021886371868168/

2. Wala raw pera ng gobyerno na ginamit si dating First Lady Imelda Marcos https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/pcb.2463734073762628/2463733757095993/?type=3&theater

3.Hindi raw mapipilit ang pamilya Marcos na bayaran ang P203 bilyong estate tax nilang utang. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/posts/2477645219038180

4. Sabi ng isang netizen, ‘Tiger of Asia’ raw ang Pilipinas during the regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/667772887649769

5. Dahil ang balita namin, ‘yung mga bonggang gusali at programang naipagawa noon ng yumaong diktador, ‘di na raw mapakinabangan ngayon? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/1055516958651757

6. Tsek/Eks: Ang photos ni presumptive president and VP Bongbong Marcos at Sara Duterte – nasa isang world landmark daw. Bongga! https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/pcb.2500467013422667/2500466903422678

7. Tsek/Eks: May chika na naman tayong nasagap. May unliquidated funds raw ang Office of the Vice President? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.353353928133997/2526802407455794

8. "Uy. Pasado na raw ang batas na magpu-push sa P820 minimum wage sa Central Luzon. Good news noh? Pero wait, fact #tsek muna bago mag-celebrate" https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.2327285387407498/2533820766753958/

9. May sumbat ang isang Facebook user. Hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit maraming puna kay dating Presidente Marcos. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.2327285387407498/2534656476670387/

10. "May nag-tweet na naman! Ang jewelry collection daw ni dating First Lady Imelda Marcos, regalo lang ng mga maharlika niyang kaibigan? Ma-fact #tsek nga." https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.2327285387407498/2568392383296796?_rdc=1&_rdr 

Probe's fact-checks benefited from the material from its archive, especially when debunking historical claims. However, the use of archival material should be mentioned in the fact-check or given attribution. Probe's infographic fact-checks sometimes tried to give several sources but some of them were not hyperlinked in the text. Moreover, some fact checks did not give background information on sources. In other words, there is an unevenness in the citation of sources that the applicant should address.

Probe was founded and established in 1988 is an independent media production company founded by veteran broadcast journalist, Cheche Lazaro.

Probe, which identifies itself as "independent media organization," is one of the pioneers of documentary production in the late 1980s (https://probe.ph/about-us). Probe has fact-checking team whose members have with experience in journalism, cinematography and archiving.

Probe is an independent media production company founded by veteran broadcast journalist, Cheche Lazaro.

Probe's website indicates where it derived its funding for its operation ( https://probe.ph/about-us ). For its fact-checking project, Probe received a grant under a fact-checking mentorship program from an international funding facility. The one-year grant enabled Probe to set-up a fact-checking team and received training and mentorship from a more established fact-checking organization, Vera Files.

Probe is registered with the Securities and Exchanged Commission in 1988.  Documents attached by Probe, as a stock corporation, showed they were submitted in Sept. 2022.

https://probe.ph/posts/methodology-and-policy

https://probe.ph/about-us

The applicant has a lean editorial team that is also in-charge of fact-checking. The board of directors, named in the website, does not exercise editorial control. Each of the Probe fact-checks identifies the staff behind them as lead writer, supervising producer, researcher and graphic artist.

https://probe.ph/posts/methodology-and-policy

The applicant's webpage contains the names of those involved in fact checking, with their corresponding brief biographies ( https://probe.ph/posts/methodology-and-policy). From their profiles, readers would know the degree to which each fact-checking team member exercises editorial control or contribute to the fact-checking project. 

https://probe.ph/posts/help-us-with-our-fact-checking-work

Probe's webpage ( https://probe.ph/posts/help-us-with-our-fact-checking-work ) contains information how to contact the fact-checking team and also submit content or information to  be fact-checked. The same invitation is found in its Facebook account.

https://probe.ph/tsek-eks

https://probe.ph/posts/methodology-and-policy

The applicant has spelled out its fact-checking methodology in its website, indicating the possible steps on how to fact-check what it calls "dubious claims." Most of the steps were standard but what makes Probe methodology distinct is how it mined its body of work to enhance its fact-checking project. The media organization has an extensive library of documentary, raw footages and other archival material since the 1980s that could be both primary and secondary sources for fact-checking. 

The following fact-checks will be assessed to find out whether the applicant selects claims to check based on the reach and the importance of the claim. 

1. Si dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos daw ang may akda ng 1987 Constitution. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/641391743544104/

2. Uso na naman ang mga election survey. Pero may isang FB page na duda sa mga tao sa likod ng pollsters. https://twitter.com/probeph/status/1463070576264712196

3. Dinoktor daw yung blind item ni President Duterte tungkol sa isang presidentiable na nagko-cocaine. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/posts/2364262770376426

4. Malaking karangalan daw para sa mga Marcos ang pamimigay ng masustansyang Nutribun sa mga pampublikong paaralan noong dekada sitenta. https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2379009482235088/?d=n

6. Isang Facebook post ang nagsabing kung hindi si Ferdinand Marcos ang naka-upong pangulo noong nagkaroon ng krisis sa supply ng palay, marahil daw ay marami na ang namatay sa gutom https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2393895577413145/?d=n

7. Isang netizen ang naninidigang walang kaso ng korupsyon si dating First Lady Imelda Marcos. Meron o wala? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/2710443469262629

8. Kapanalig daw ng mga komunista si dating Senador Ninoy Aquino? https://twitter.com/probeph/status/1488728912368603137

9. Dating Presidente Corazon Aquino, wala raw ambag sa People Power noong 1986? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/338449418229638

10. Kamakailan kumalat online na kalahating milyon daw ang dumalo sa rally ng Uniteam sa Las Piñas noong March 14. https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2450410635094972/?d=n 

In its video fact checks, Probe would sometimes give the reason for choosing a claim to be verified, often the on basis of reach or the gravity of the false claims, i.e. repeated claims. However, in its infographic fact-checks, often absent are the explanations why a claim was fact-checked. The format of the infographic fact-check might be the reason for the absence of an explanation but marginal notes or footnotes could always be added to the infographic.

The applicant sets out in its fact checks relevant evidence that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.

1. "May balita ulit tungkol sa mga bakuna. According to one netizen, experimental pa raw ang COVID-19 vaccines. Hindi nga?" https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/1021886371868168/

2. Wala raw pera ng gobyerno na ginamit si dating First Lady Imelda Marcos https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/pcb.2463734073762628/2463733757095993/?type=3&theater

3.Hindi raw mapipilit ang pamilya Marcos na bayaran ang P203 bilyong estate tax nilang utang. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/posts/2477645219038180

4. Sabi ng isang netizen, ‘Tiger of Asia’ raw ang Pilipinas during the regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/667772887649769

5. Dahil ang balita namin, ‘yung mga bonggang gusali at programang naipagawa noon ng yumaong diktador, ‘di na raw mapakinabangan ngayon? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/1055516958651757

6. Tsek/Eks: Ang photos ni presumptive president and VP Bongbong Marcos at Sara Duterte – nasa isang world landmark daw. Bongga! https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/pcb.2500467013422667/2500466903422678

7. Tsek/Eks: May chika na naman tayong nasagap. May unliquidated funds raw ang Office of the Vice President? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.353353928133997/2526802407455794

8. "Uy. Pasado na raw ang batas na magpu-push sa P820 minimum wage sa Central Luzon. Good news noh? Pero wait, fact #tsek muna bago mag-celebrate" https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.2327285387407498/2533820766753958/

9. May sumbat ang isang Facebook user. Hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit maraming puna kay dating Presidente Marcos. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.2327285387407498/2534656476670387/

10. "May nag-tweet na naman! Ang jewelry collection daw ni dating First Lady Imelda Marcos, regalo lang ng mga maharlika niyang kaibigan? Ma-fact #tsek nga." https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.2327285387407498/2568392383296796?_rdc=1&_rdr 

In the above fact checks, the form through which they are delivered -- video or infographic -- have a bearing in this criteria. In the video fact-checks, there's room for the presenter to say that some evidence clash at first glance and then went on to offer an explanation. However, for infographic, the presentation is packed, leaving no room for discussion of evidence that supports and evidence that undermines a claim before determining which one is correct.

The fact checks below will be assessed to determine if evidence they offered is of high standards if applied on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.

1. Si dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos daw ang may akda ng 1987 Constitution. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/641391743544104/

2. Uso na naman ang mga election survey. Pero may isang FB page na duda sa mga tao sa likod ng pollsters. https://twitter.com/probeph/status/1463070576264712196

3. Dinoktor daw yung blind item ni President Duterte tungkol sa isang presidentiable na nagko-cocaine. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/posts/2364262770376426

4. Malaking karangalan daw para sa mga Marcos ang pamimigay ng masustansyang Nutribun sa mga pampublikong paaralan noong dekada sitenta. https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2379009482235088/?d=n

6. Isang Facebook post ang nagsabing kung hindi si Ferdinand Marcos ang naka-upong pangulo noong nagkaroon ng krisis sa supply ng palay, marahil daw ay marami na ang namatay sa gutom https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2393895577413145/?d=n

7. Isang netizen ang naninidigang walang kaso ng korupsyon si dating First Lady Imelda Marcos. Meron o wala? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/2710443469262629

8. Kapanalig daw ng mga komunista si dating Senador Ninoy Aquino? https://twitter.com/probeph/status/1488728912368603137

9. Dating Presidente Corazon Aquino, wala raw ambag sa People Power noong 1986? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/338449418229638

10. Kamakailan kumalat online na kalahating milyon daw ang dumalo sa rally ng Uniteam sa Las Piñas noong March 14. https://www.facebook.com/134833676652691/posts/2450410635094972/?d=n 

Probe's video fact-checks are well researched and offered evidence from various sources. The discussions of the merits of the evidence as well as the context of the issues are also part of the presentation. This practice should be replicated in the infographic fact-checks.

The applicant's fact checks below will be assessed if they contact the source of the claim to verify his statement and also for supporting evidence. This practice, however, may depend on the nature of the claim and the mutual safety the person and fact-checkers.

1. "May balita ulit tungkol sa mga bakuna. According to one netizen, experimental pa raw ang COVID-19 vaccines. Hindi nga?" https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/1021886371868168/

2. Wala raw pera ng gobyerno na ginamit si dating First Lady Imelda Marcos https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/pcb.2463734073762628/2463733757095993/?type=3&theater

3.Hindi raw mapipilit ang pamilya Marcos na bayaran ang P203 bilyong estate tax nilang utang. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/posts/2477645219038180

4. Sabi ng isang netizen, ‘Tiger of Asia’ raw ang Pilipinas during the regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/667772887649769

5. Dahil ang balita namin, ‘yung mga bonggang gusali at programang naipagawa noon ng yumaong diktador, ‘di na raw mapakinabangan ngayon? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/videos/1055516958651757

6. Tsek/Eks: Ang photos ni presumptive president and VP Bongbong Marcos at Sara Duterte – nasa isang world landmark daw. Bongga! https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/pcb.2500467013422667/2500466903422678

7. Tsek/Eks: May chika na naman tayong nasagap. May unliquidated funds raw ang Office of the Vice President? https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.353353928133997/2526802407455794

8. "Uy. Pasado na raw ang batas na magpu-push sa P820 minimum wage sa Central Luzon. Good news noh? Pero wait, fact #tsek muna bago mag-celebrate" https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.2327285387407498/2533820766753958/

9. May sumbat ang isang Facebook user. Hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit maraming puna kay dating Presidente Marcos. https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.2327285387407498/2534656476670387/

10. "May nag-tweet na naman! Ang jewelry collection daw ni dating First Lady Imelda Marcos, regalo lang ng mga maharlika niyang kaibigan? Ma-fact #tsek nga." https://www.facebook.com/Probe.PH/photos/a.2327285387407498/2568392383296796?_rdc=1&_rdr 

The above fact-checks verified the claims circulating on social media, with some claims coming from posts whose owners whose identity cannot be verified. Some claims may have been contributed by readers while other claims might be generated by a tip-line. There is no indication that fact checkers of Probe contacted the sources of claims. Indeed, while an automated source of claims would make for an easy or faster fact-check production, fact-checker may also contact the source of the claim to gather more information and evidence and understand more the phenomena of disinformation.

Probe believes in the good that citizen journalism can bring. Probe, through its website, www.probe.ph, the team encourages its audience to send links to posts and articles or news items online that they feel need fact-checking.

https://probe.ph/posts/help-us-with-our-fact-checking-work 

Probe's methodology and its invitation to send information to be fact-checked has given readers an idea what claims could be fact-checkable or not fact-checkable. Evident in the methodology is its emphasis on journalism's role to hold public officials for their public statements. It also underscored the value of spotting disinformation to improve the exchange of ideas in society and protection of the public's interest.

Here is Probe's corrections policy page: https://probe.ph/posts/help-us-with-our-fact-checking-work

The applicant has a corrections policy indicated in its website https://probe.ph/posts/help-us-with-our-fact-checking-work. It includes an email address where to send the corrections. 

The applicant's correction and complaints policy has stated what it cover and does not cover. It encourages the reader/audience to inform fact-checkers for corrections through email. The applicant promised to enter the corrections immediately. The corrections may also come with a note from the editor.

Probe has not received any request for corrections in the past twelve months that it has been running its fact-checking campaign.

The applicant has been running its fact-checking project for a year before its first application to IFCN. However, it states that it has not received any request for corrections.

Probe is not a signatory yet. 

N/A. The applicant is not yet a signatory of IFCN

TSEK/EKS upholds truth, and fully welcomes notable corrections to our content. Probe encourages its audience to feel free to send the team a message through the company email address if they feel its fact-checking piece contains errors. Probe is committed to rectify proven erroneous content immediately, with a separate note from the editor—for transparency. 

The corrections policy of Probe and its fact-checking team appears to be the same. In other words, the whole organization promised to adhere to an open and honest corrections policy.