Unpacking Disinformation and the Drug War—A Must-See Documentary & Forum This Friday in Cavite
Looking for something insightful to do this Friday? Join us in Silang, Cavite, for a timely event where we confront the past to prepare for the 2025 elections. “CONTEXT x CONSCIENCE: A 3-in-1 Election Forum” will take place on March 21, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the SPSF Giaccardo Auditorium, bringing together film, research, and discussion to foster informed and conscientious citizenship.
At a time when online debates grow more polarizing and the 2025 elections loom on the horizon, this forum invites students, educators, and community members to engage in critical conversations on democracy, historical accountability, and the media’s role in shaping public perception.
A Groundbreaking Documentary: MARIA (2023)
Kicking off the forum is a screening of Maria (2023) by She Andes, an award-winning documentary that captures the harsh realities of Duterte’s War on Drugs through the lens of three Filipinas, each named Maria.
The film follows a former Duterte supporter who became a victim of the very policies she once defended, grappling with the consequences of state-sponsored violence, a grieving wife seeking justice for her husband’s extrajudicial killing, navigating a system that often silences victims, and a woman who emerged as a beacon of hope amid the bloodshed.
Maria made history as the first documentary to compete in Cinemalaya, cementing its place as an essential viewing for those seeking to understand the human cost of the War on Drugs. With former President Rodrigo Duterte facing an arrest warrant and an ongoing trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC), the film has never been more relevant.
Unpacking Disinformation and Electoral Manipulation
Following the screening, the SIGLA Research Center will present its critical study, Parallel Public Spheres: Influence Operations in the 2022 Philippine Elections, featuring insights from Ferdinand Sanchez II. This research delves into the role of disinformation campaigns in shaping public perception, revealing how digital propaganda, troll farms, and historical revisionism influenced voters’ decisions in 2022—and what it means for the upcoming 2025 elections.
A Panel Discussion on Human Rights, Disinformation, and Elections
To conclude the forum, an esteemed panel of experts, advocates, and a special guest will engage in an interactive discussion on human rights, disinformation, and electoral participation. This session will provide attendees with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate today’s political climate and become more responsible, discerning voters.
In partnership with Active Vista, this forum serves as a vital space for education, dialogue, and action. It is an opportunity to reflect on how past elections shape future political landscapes and what we, as citizens, can do to ensure democracy thrives.
Secure Your Seat Now
Tickets for the event are available for only P150 per person and can be paid within two weeks following the forum. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a crucial conversation on democracy, justice, and media literacy.
Register now: bit.ly/mariaSPSFscreening
Let’s reclaim context and conscience—one story, one conversation at a time. See you there!
By SPSF Staff
A government-recognized private higher education institution, Saint Paul Seminary Foundation integrates faith and communication, offering degrees in Communication and Philosophy and a Certificate in Philosophical Studies in Silang, Cavite.