FACT CHECK: Christmas bonus links for 4Ps members, non-members, are fake, lead to phishing websites

Claim: Both Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) members and non-members are eligible for a P5,000 Christmas bonus, which they can claim by registering through a link shared in posts online.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: Multiple posts making this claim have been shared on Facebook, with the most popular reaching 2.2 million views, 27,800 reactions, and 11,400 shares. The page repeatedly promoting the claim, “MSWD News Update,” has 130,000 followers.

Text in the video states: “5k Christmas bonus sa lahat ng 4Ps member at non-member. Christmas bonus P5k schedule of payout: 3/December 8, 2025 hanggang December 20, 2025.”

(P5,000 Christmas bonus for all 4Ps members and non-members. Christmas bonus ₱5,000 payout schedule: December 8, 2025 to December 20, 2025.)

The facts: A screenshot of the image analyzed using the AI detection tool Sight Engine shows that the image is likely AI-generated with a 99% probability. It also indicates a 99% chance of face manipulation and 91% signs of diffusion models.

Hive Moderation further classifies the image as likely containing AI-generated or deepfake content, with a 99.9% probability, noting contributions from AI tools such as Veo3, Imagen4, and Gemini. 

A reverse image search found no record of the video being published or shared on any credible news site or official government platform. Furthermore, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has not issued any announcement, advisory, or statement confirming a Christmas bonus for 4Ps members or non-members on its official website or verified social media accounts, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

Phishing sites: A scan of the URL using Nord VPN’s link scanner found no signs of malicious activity. Nevertheless, experts warn users to remain cautious.

The links shared in the post lead to websites presenting a “DSWD Christmas Bonus Online Registration” form, featuring the DSWD logo prominently. The form asks for personal information such as name, province, municipality, number of household members, preferred payout day, and mobile number — details commonly targeted in phishing attempts to collect sensitive data. (READ: Phishing 101: How to spot and avoid phishing)

Debunked: Rappler has fact-checked similar online registration claims, which were found to be fake:

• FACT CHECK: PCSO scholarship application reel is fake, leads to phishing websites
• FACT CHECK: Links for DOST scholarship online application lead to phishing websites
• FACT CHECK: Registration links for PWD cash aid lead to phishing, shopping sites
• FACT CHECK: Registration links for ‘Christmas bonus’ payouts lead to phishing site
• FACT CHECK: News report on student cash incentives with 5kg rice is AI-generated 

– Marjuice Destinado/Rappler.com

Marjuice Destinado is a senior political science student at Cebu Normal University (CNU) and an alumna of the Aries Rufo Journalism Fellowship of Rappler for 2025.

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