Palace: Marcos optimistic Zaldy Co, others will be arrested. 

Detected Manipulations & Suggested Changes

Unbalanced reporting

Presenting mainly one side’s perspective while giving little or no space to other relevant sides.

The article exclusively quotes Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro and presents only the government’s view: the President is optimistic, has full confidence in agencies, and is not frustrated. There is no comment or response from Zaldy Co, his legal representatives, or independent legal/oversight bodies. Examples: - "The President is optimistic that those hiding from the law will be arrested and brought back to the Philippines so they can be held accountable if they should be held accountable." - "The President, meanwhile, has full confidence in the work of our government agencies, especially in pursuing fugitives." - "We cannot say that the President is frustrated, because he knows that the heads of government agencies pursuing fugitives are working according to his instructions."

3 suggestions

Include attempts to reach Zaldy Co or his legal counsel for comment, and clearly state if they declined or could not be reached.

Add context from independent sources (e.g., legal experts, human rights groups, anti-corruption watchdogs) about the status of the case, extradition issues, or concerns about due process.

Clarify that the article is reporting the government’s position by adding balancing language such as: "The Palace said..." and then follow with: "As of press time, Co or his representatives have not publicly responded to these statements."

Omission of key information

Leaving out important contextual details that would help readers fully understand the situation.

The article mentions "anomalous flood control projects" and a "massive flood control mess" but provides no details on the nature of the alleged anomalies, the specific charges, the stage of the legal process, or whether there have been any court findings. Examples: - "In November 2025, arrest warrants were issued against Co and others over anomalous flood control projects." - "fugitives, including Co, who are allegedly involved in the massive flood control mess"

3 suggestions

Briefly describe the charges (e.g., what laws are allegedly violated, which court issued the warrants, and whether these are still in force or under appeal).

Clarify the legal status: specify that these are allegations and that Co and others are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Provide basic background on the flood control projects (scope, cost, and what made them allegedly anomalous) to avoid vague references like "massive flood control mess" without explanation.

Appeal to authority

Relying on the status or authority of a person or institution as primary support for a claim, without additional evidence.

The article repeatedly emphasizes the President’s confidence in government agencies and his lack of frustration, implicitly suggesting that this confidence itself is evidence of effective pursuit of fugitives. Examples: - "The President, meanwhile, has full confidence in the work of our government agencies, especially in pursuing fugitives." - "We cannot say that the President is frustrated, because he knows that the heads of government agencies pursuing fugitives are working according to his instructions."

3 suggestions

Supplement statements about confidence with factual information: recent actions taken, international coordination steps, or measurable progress in the case.

Add clarifying language that these are the Palace’s assertions, not verified outcomes, e.g., "According to Castro, the President believes..." followed by data or noting the absence of independent verification.

Include independent assessments (e.g., from oversight bodies or legal analysts) about the effectiveness of the pursuit of fugitives, rather than relying solely on the President’s expressed confidence.

Biased language

Using wording that subtly favors one side or frames the situation in a way that supports a particular narrative.

Most of the language is neutral, but some phrases, especially in translation, lean toward the government’s framing and present its perspective as fact rather than as a position. Examples: - "those who are hiding from the law" – this presumes intentional evasion without presenting Co’s side or legal explanation. - "massive flood control mess" – a value-laden phrase that suggests large-scale wrongdoing without detail or attribution.

3 suggestions

Attribute characterizations explicitly, e.g., "those whom authorities say are hiding from the law" or "what officials describe as a massive flood control mess."

Use more neutral wording such as "alleged irregularities in flood control projects" instead of "massive flood control mess" unless quoting directly, and if quoting, clearly mark it as a quote.

Clarify that Co and others are "alleged" fugitives or "wanted in connection with" the case, and that allegations have not yet been proven in court.

Selective use of sources

Relying on a narrow set of sources that all share the same perspective, without indicating efforts to obtain other viewpoints.

All information and interpretation in the article come from a single institutional source: the Palace, via Claire Castro. There is no indication that the reporter sought comment from law enforcement agencies directly, from Swedish authorities, from Co’s side, or from independent experts.

3 suggestions

Add statements or confirmations from the DILG, law enforcement, or foreign affairs officials about coordination with Sweden and the status of any extradition or legal assistance requests.

Include a line indicating whether attempts were made to contact Co or his representatives, and the outcome of those attempts.

Incorporate commentary from an independent legal expert on the process of arresting and extraditing individuals in such cases, to provide context beyond the Palace’s narrative.