FALSE

An image has been repeatedly shared in social media posts that claim it shows a Filipino fast food chain’s mascot holding a sign in support of Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the frontrunner in the Philippines’ upcoming presidential election. Comments on the posts indicated some social media users believed the image was genuine. In reality, the image had been digitally altered to insert a reference to Marcos Jr, the son and namesake of the country’s former dictator.

“Well done jollibee u (sic) made a right decision”, reads the caption alongside the photo shared on Facebook on January 18, 2022.

Jollibee is the largest fast food chain in the Philippines.

The image appears to show Jollibee’s mascot posing with a sign that reads “BBM 2022” outside a Jollibee restaurant.

The image was also shared alongside a similar claim on Facebook here and here.

Comments on the posts indicated some social media users thought the photo was genuine.

“That’s how great our chosen president is, even Jollibee is now an ally,” one commented.

“Yes, BBM, Cheers Jollibee,” another wrote.

However, the image has been doctored.

Read the full story on AFP Fact Check.

AFP launched its digital verification service in France in 2017 and has grown to become the leading global fact-checking organisation, with dedicated journalists in countries from the United States to the Philippines. Our journalists monitor online content in local languages. They take into account local cultures, languages and politics and work with AFP’s bureaus worldwide to investigate and disprove false information, focusing on items that can be harmful, impactful and manipulative.