FACT CHECK: No gov’t order to seize homes without solar panel permits

An analysis using Google's SynthID technology showed the audio contained an AI-generated watermark, while two other AI detection tools found the clip likely to be AI-generated Claim: Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced that the government will be taking over houses that use solar panels without the proper permits. Rating: FALSE Why we fact-checked this: Several videos containing the claim have been circulating on Facebook, with the most popular one gaining 3.2 million views, 19,200 reactions, and 3,400 shares as of writing. The video shows Castro, seemingly in a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps, saying: “Pag nakita ang bahay mo na may solar at walang permit, ang bahay mo ay kukunin ng gobyerno. Ito ang magiging patakaran para sa lahat ng mamamayan simula ngayon.” (If your house is found to have solar panels without permits, then your house will be taken by the government. This will be the rule for all citizens starting now.) Comments on the videos show that users believe the video to be authentic, with most expressing anger toward the supposed policy. “Bakit ninyo kukunin? Binili ko ‘yan. Ubos na ba ‘yung nasa kaban?” one of the top comments says. (Why will you take our houses? I bought it. Have our public funds run out?) The facts: An analysis of the viral video clip using Google’s SynthID technology showed the audio contained an AI-generated watermark. This means that the audio was generated or altered using Google’s AI tools. Two other AI detection tools found the clip likely to be AI-generated. HiveDetect found it 81.8% likely to be an AI-generated video, while UndetectableAI found the audio to only be 1% real compared to the likelihood of it being AI-generated. None of the transcripts of Malacañang’s press briefings in July 2026 contain the statement in the fake video clip. The government has made no such announcement on any other channel, either. No credible media outlets have reported on the supposed policy. SynthID: SynthID is Google’s watermarking tool that embeds digital watermarks directly into AI-generated images, audio, text or video across Google’s generative AI consumer products. These watermarks are invisible, but can be detected using Gemini. Permits for solar panels: Solar panel regulation has drawn criticism in recent months. This came after Meralco called for stricter guidelines on solar panel installation earlier in May, with the Department of Trade and Industry later saying it was preparing rules to regulate manufacturers of solar panel systems. These moves have been met with strong backlash online that has continued into the month of July. Rising power rates this month have renewed public criticism toward attempts to regulate solar panel installations. Debunked: Castro has become a regular target of several false claims in recent months. Rappler has debunked some of these claims: FACT CHECK: Claire Castro not banned from Canada FACT CHECK: Claire Castro quote dismissing scrutiny of Marcos’ confidential funds is fake FACT CHECK: Claire Castro statement on Marcos’ ‘failing’ health is fake FACT CHECK: Castro did not call on Duterte clan to quit gov’t posts to reverse ICC ruling FACT CHECK: Video of foreign officials ‘mocking’ PCO undersecretary Castro is fake – Shay Du/Rappler.com Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. You may also report dubious claims to the #FactsFirstPH tipline by messaging Rappler on Facebook or Newsbreak via Twitter direct message. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time. How does this make you feel? Loading