Netizens and social media personalities made fun and laugh at the government-run TV network PTV4 social media account’s latest blunder.
In a tweet on Tuesday, March 16, PTV4’s twitter account “accidentally” tweeted the hashtag #dutertepalpak together with President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement regarding the government’s plan to distribute free face masks to the public.
The hashtag #DutertePalpak was a ‘hot online topic’ on Monday, March 15. It was used by Duterte’s critics to commemorate the country’s anniversary on lockdowns–to remind the people of how the government’s lackluster performance in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eagle-eye Netizens meanwhile quickly took a screenshot of the tweet since it is expected to be deleted anytime.
Former PTV4 anchor Jules Guiang shared the screenshot of the tweet with a question on how did it happen.
“Huy @AltPTV anuna kayo diyan? Pano nakalusot ito? Haha”
Huy @AltPTV anuna kayo diyan? Pano nakalusot ito? Haha pic.twitter.com/emxQKarBL5
— Jules Guiang (@julesguiang) March 16, 2021
Former Kapamilya news producer Nick Villavecer also shared the screenshot of the tweet with the caption “Lmao” which means Laughing my ass off.
— Nick Villavecer (@nickvillavecer) March 16, 2021
While the latest blunder is laughable, some Netizens also praised the person behind the tweet.
In her tweet, Pinoy Ako Blog said that while the person involved would have probably lost his job, he/she is a hero.
“To the person who probably lost his job posting this tweet. Bayani ka po (laughing emojis).”
https://twitter.com/PinoyAkoBlog/status/1371809425837584387
Same with Netizen @samfun12345 who praised that PTV4 employee for doing a good job on that tweet.
“Good job, PTV4! #dutertepalpak indeed!! (lauging emoji)”
https://twitter.com/SamFun12345/status/1371831385443422216
Netizen @myrizalph, on the other hand, also laughed at the tweet describing it as a Freudian slip.
“Kids, today our lesson is Dr. Sigmund Freud and what is meant by “Freudian slip.” Ayan oh, nag-Freudian slip ang PTV4. #DutertePalpak“
https://twitter.com/MyRizalPH/status/1371861151575797761
Meanwhile, after the social media backlash, PTV4 issued a statement. According to the Network, an investigation is underway and called it a “malicious post.”
“PTV is currently investigating the intent behind the malicious post. Our apologies.”
The original story and caption reads:
"President Rodrigo R. Duterte reiterated his order to provide free masks for the public especially to those who cannot buy their own."
To read story, click here: https://t.co/Aa8Yatocai pic.twitter.com/PASTbwyZKb
— PTVph (@PTVph) March 16, 2021
And in a subsequent statement after, PTV claimed that the gaffe was caused by a predictive text system. PTV also said that they are instituting disciplinary actions against the person behind the erroneous post.
“The erroneous message that was inadvertently posted by the PTV New Media, as it turned out was the result of a predictive system in the test entry phrase and a failure to adequately review and screen the message and screen the message that actually got posted.”
— PTVph (@PTVph) March 17, 2021
Here are other reactions from the Netizens.
“Apparently, the trending #DutertePalpak was posted by PTV4’s own social media personnel. As of this time PTV4 is still conducting its own investigation. Kung sino ka man, I salute you!” – @datumx11
https://twitter.com/datumx11/status/1372058763255943169
“No apologies needed PTV4! For once- you got it right!” – @reneguidote
No apologies needed PTV4! For once- you got it right!
— Rene Guidote (@ReneGuidote) March 16, 2021
“Hey Kat De Castro, PTv4 General manager, that person deserves a 10x raise!” – @deusxmachina4
https://twitter.com/DeusXMachina14/status/1372022093068398595
“O, pati PTV4, aminado na #DutertePalpak, ha. Di ako nagsabi n’yan, ‘yung gov’t channel mismo.” – @jerrygracio
O, pati PTV4, aminado na #DutertePalpak, ha. Di ako nagsabi n'yan, 'yung gov't channel mismo. pic.twitter.com/WPUwYev9Dv
— Jerry B. Grácio (@JerryGracio) March 16, 2021
“May pag asa pa yun PTV4! Go lang” – @serjemb
https://twitter.com/serjemb/status/1371860412086456322
“Naku po may masisibak sa PTV4. Punong puno na rin siguro sa kapalpakan ng Gobyerno” –@joseph0686UK
https://twitter.com/joseph0686UK/status/1371795195621212162
