Ralph “Basti” David, an aspiring city councilor and staunch ally of Mayor Crisostomo Garbo, denounced online news outlet iOrbit News for allegedly spreading fake news and disinformation targeting their group.

David criticized the publication’s use of manipulated surveys and paid content, saying, “Stop manipulating surveys and using autolikes. We all know which publications are paid. You’re clearly spreading false accusations.”

He asserted that the people of Mabalacat are not easily misled. “Legitimate surveys place Mayor Garbo’s approval rating consistently above 65%, even reaching over 70% at the height of your smear campaigns—including the case you filed that was eventually dismissed,” David said.

He also accused iOrbit of engaging in black propaganda during past elections. He cited a 2019 article that falsely attributed a pre-election survey to students of the University of the Assumption and DHVTSU—claims both schools refuted. In 2022, the outlet allegedly published a misleading report of a “close fight” between Garbo and rival candidate Pangilinan, despite Garbo’s landslide win with 66,151 votes to Pangilinan’s 2,985.

“These tactics damage not only our reputations but also your own credibility,” David said. “You once praised Mayor Garbo when he visited your mother—what changed?”

He urged members of the media to uphold responsible journalism and reject misinformation, warning that smear campaigns erode public trust in both politics and the press.