Deepfakes, of prey? Precursors and eclipses to the macrocosm Philippine politics

In the age of disinformation disorder, where a waning in public trust necessitates heightened critical examination of content, deepfakes could further complicate responsive orientations as a contentious mimesis card in political playbook. Grounding on Jean Baudrillard’s concept of hyperreality, this paper first briefly examines how these precursors have filled an environment where simulations and simulacra replace authentic experience. Then, through the lens of Habermasian critical theory, it examines how deepfakes “eclipse” the possibility of genuine communicative action. This paper synthesizes that the integrity of public discourse is not an isolated occurrence but rather the culmination of existing gambits and practices from the Philippine political substratum. A priori, one can understand that waiting for a generation to become fully educated on the dangers of deepfakes will take too long, making immediate regulatory intervention essential. Relying solely on media literacy initiatives assumes that Filipinos possess the capacity for sustained critical engagement, yet history shows how political propaganda, sensationalism, and disinformation easily sway public opinion. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the digital ecosystem, where political trolling and echo chambers reinforce manufactured narratives. If traditional propaganda has already distorted perception, deepfakes present an amplified threat, inflating political deception and complicating electoral decision-making. However, given existing political dynamics, the swift implementation and effectiveness of state regulation remains a critical question.