MISLEADING: Kara David wishes harm on Marcoleta over “bayaran” remark

Kit Brandy Servidad

Many allegations on the internet of misleading information were spreading as the surfacing statement of Senator Rodante Marcoleta on his claim that the mainstream media are “paid hacks,” which was then followed by a reference to journalist Kara David’s birthday quote on September 12, 2025.

CLAIM:

The post quoted that David is wishing Marcoleta harm, a sarcastic wish referencing her viral birthday quote, which was followed by denying that the media are not “bayaran”.

“Hindi po kami bayaran… gusto mo yata i-wish na kita eh. Nakakaperwisyo kana

eh. Puro paninira yung lumalabas sa bibig mo,” the post reinstated, allegedly.

RATING: MISLEADING

CONCLUSION:

David did not sarcastically wish the senator any harm but rather stated that “hindi kami bayaran,” captioned on her shared post from ABS-CBN’s Facebook page as a way to deny the accusations that the media are “paid hacks.”

THE FACTS:

• The statement is fabricated and used to mislead readers.
• During a Senate hearing, Marcoleta stated, “kayo pong mga participants sa media na karamihan po sa inyo ay bayaran.”
• On June 4, David publicly responded to the controversy through a Facebook post, where she simply stated, “hindi kami bayaran.” The post was shared alongside a news report regarding Marcoleta’s statement against media.
• No verified post, interview, article, or public statement from David contains the lines claiming that she wished harm upon the senator or accused him of spreading lies. The quoted remarks circulating online appear to have been fabricated and falsely attributed to the journalist. 

THE BOTTOMLINE:

Contrary to the viral claim circulating online, David’s response to Marcoleta’s remark is limited only to the statement that journalists aren’t paid to switch sides. No credible evidence supports the claim that she wished harm upon the senator or made the additional remarks being shared on social media.