“A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.”
— Winston Churchill
I’m sure most of you have seen the twitter remark that has been attributed to Jacqueline Bermejo. It’s been flying around the internet faster than a cell phone can cook popcorn. Even GMANews.TV mentioned her (yes, the article mentions the possibility of her innocence, but it seems to be more of an afterthought).
I just want to remind my readers of a few things:
1. It is ridiculously easy to create a fake Facebook, Multiply, or Twitter account. Just look up the name of your favorite celebrity if you don’t believe me. Even well-known preacher Robert Schuller had a Twitter imposter. He was able to get his identity back, but I imagine it’s harder for your average guy/girl to get Twitter’s attention.
2. It isn’t that difficult to hack some of these before-mentioned accounts. I learned this the hard way a few weeks ago when my Gmail account was hacked while using public wifi.
3. I refuse to believe any Filipino would say something so ridiculous. Filipinos have a certain sense of comradery and kinship with all of their countrymen. It’s a trait I deeply respect and admire. OFW’s are no different–they still love and miss the Philippines, and I’m sure they will donate millions to see this beautiful country restored. Do any of you really think a Filipina would say such a thing about her own country? Come on!
4. Gossip and slander are gossip and slander, regardless of the medium used. We have no right to assassinate someone’s character when we don’t even know all of the facts. What if this has all been caused by someone who was out to harm her?
Please use your FaceBook, Twitter and blogs responsibly.
You must not pass along false rumors. . . .
-Exodus 23:1
Update: Bermejo has been interviewed on the ABSCBN website. Read her official statement.
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