Comedy icon Michael V. has issued a strong warning against the use of deepfake technology, after discovering a manipulated video online featuring his likeness and voice endorsing a product he never promoted.
In a recent Instagram post, Bitoy shared a sample of the AI-generated ad, clarifying that it was not real and that he was never involved in its creation.
“This fake ad was created using A.I. (artificial intelligence),” read the overlay text on the video.
“A.I. was used to replace my mouth movement. They used A.I. para pag-aralan at gayahin ‘yung real voice ko,” Bitoy explained.
In his caption, he urged the public to stay alert: “MAGING ALISTO. HUWAG MAGPA-LOKO. Ang Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), masyado nang tumatalino.”
He emphasized the importance of being discerning: “Dapat matuto tayong maging mapanuri kung ang pinapanood o binabasa ay fake o totoo.”
The deepfake video appeared convincingly real, with altered facial movements and audio closely mimicking his natural voice and expressions—prompting concern from both fans and celebrities.
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In the comments section, fellow artists expressed their alarm: Melissa Ricks: “AI is scaryyyy” Chariz Solomon: “NAKAKALOKAAAA” Gladys Reyes: “Grabe kuya @michaelbitoy lakas maka-scam”
According to a report by ’24 Oras’, deepfake videos are created through artificial intelligence tools that can replicate a person’s appearance, gestures, and speech patterns to make it look like they are saying or endorsing something they never actually did.
Rights of Democracy.net.ph director Carlo Nazareno offered tips for spotting deepfakes: “Tingnan mo na mabuti ‘yung ngipin habang nagsasalita. Kasi, minsan nagwa-warp ‘yung ngipin, pati ‘yung labi… Pero ‘yung pinakababantayan natin ‘yung mensahe mismo.”
Meanwhile, AI ethics advocate Dominic Ligot reminded viewers to always verify the source: “Sino nagsabi niyan? Is it a credible source? Or some random website lang? Some random page? Dun ka magsisimula.”
