The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has called out veteran broadcast journalist Karen Davila, accusing her of spreading “fabricated lies” during a televised interview on the June 30, 2025 episode of ‘Headstart’ on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC).
In a Facebook post titled “STATEMENT ON THE FABRICATED LIES BEING SPREAD BY TV NEWSREADER KAREN DAVILA”, the OVP strongly refuted Davila’s remarks made during her conversation with former Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) Commissioner Atty. Ruben Carranza.
The OVP said: “The Office of the Vice President strongly takes exception to the false and irresponsible claims made by TV newsreader Karen Davila during the 30 June 2025 episode of Headstart aired on the ABS-CBN News Channel.”
The statement refers to Davila’s comment during the interview, where she said: “One thing sources say—if she [VP Sara Duterte] wins, she will bring back the PCGG and once again, ‘di ba, prosecute the Marcoses, (and) get back the ill-gotten wealth.”
The OVP labeled this claim as “a BLATANT FALSEHOOD and an ABSOLUTE LIE”, asserting: “The claim made by Ms. Davila is ENTIRELY FABRICATED and has no basis in fact. Vice President Duterte has never made such a statement, nor has she expressed any intent or issued any policy direction remotely similar to what Ms. Davila irresponsibly and recklessly attributed to unnamed ‘sources.’”
It continued: “By citing anonymous sources to spread baseless claims, Ms. Davila is engaging in reckless misinformation under the guise of journalistic privilege. Citing anonymous individuals without any verifiable basis is not journalism, but a gossip masquerading as news.”
The statement also cited the Philippine Press Institute’s Code of Ethics, reminding journalists that, “The paramount responsibility of the press is to serve the truth” and that “rumors and unverified reports should not be published or broadcast.”
The OVP concluded by warning that it is considering legal options: “The OVP reserves all rights to pursue appropriate remedies to protect the integrity and credibility of the Vice President.”
As of this writing, Karen Davila and ABS-CBN have yet to issue a response. LionhearTV remains open to publishing their side once available.
Meanwhile, the RAWR Nation community were divided in their reactions. Some expressed support for VP Sara Duterte’s camp and called for accountability. Others defended Karen Davila’s journalistic integrity.
PROTECT MISS @iamkarendavila AT ALL COSTS… EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!
#KarenDavila pic.twitter.com/dQEx02uEz1— AltIndayBadiday (@AltIndayBadiday) July 2, 2025
They are labeling Miss Karen Davila as newsREADER. Wow.
The audacity to use the code of ethics card. Eh ying propaganda network nga nila, uhmmm… https://t.co/tQAjKtV6sa
— Jeff (@jepoymd_) July 2, 2025
Calling Karen Davila a “TV Newsreader” is an underhanded jab & only proves Sara Duterte has no moral ground to call out journalists & news outlets for falsehoods, malicious, blatant & fabricated reporting.
The audacity of this woman to lecture on ethics & responsible reporting! https://t.co/eaXQkQ1iAk
— Gru (@f_nr_r) July 2, 2025
If Sara Duterte hates Karen Davila, then I love Karen Davila.
— marky (@ciomackie) July 2, 2025
