FACT CHECK: Quote card of CDO congressman Suan criticizing OFWs is fake

Claim: Cagayan de Oro 1st District Representative Lordan Suan said he was disappointed in overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for joining “zero remittance week,” adding that they do not deserve to be called modern-day heroes.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: The Facebook post from the page “Birada Kagay-an” has garnered more than 2,000 engagements, 1,100 comments, and 200 shares as of writing.

The post features a quote card with an alleged statement from Suan, in which he supposedly says, “I’m very disappointed sa mga OFWs nakikilahok sa zero remittance week. Hindi kayo deserve tawaging modern-day heroes.” 

(I am very disappointed in the OFWs participating in zero remittance week. You do not deserve to be called modern-day heroes.)

“Zero remittance week” may have been referring to a campaign initiated by supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte to stop sending money home to protest Duterte’s arrest and detention at the International Criminal Court.

The quote card also features photos of Suan, former Duterte spokesperson Harry Roque, and a group of protesters holding a banner reading “We stand with Duterte.”

The facts: Suan never made this statement. Rappler confirmed with his team that the congressman did not issue any such remarks regarding OFWs or the “zero remittance week.” The quote is entirely fabricated and intended to mislead the public.

Suan has previously debunked a claim made by the same Facebook page involving a different statement about OFWs. 

In a post on March 10, Suan warned that the page “Birada Kagay-an” is spreading content with no factual basis, created specifically to spread disinformation online.

“Ang hulagway nga gipakalat sa page nga Birada Kagay-an usa ka manipulated content nga ginahimo aron makapakalat og fake news ug misinformation sa social media,” wrote Suan.

(The image spread by the page Birada Kagay-an is manipulated content created to spread fake news and misinformation on social media.)

The page has established a pattern of targeting the congressman by continuously posting fabricated quotes attributed to him. Despite previous clarifications, the page continues to release these quote cards to create the illusion of official statements.

Suan urged his constituents to verify information, report dubious pages that engage in deceptive practices, and rely only on official government channels and verified news outlets for credible news updates.

Targeted by disinformation: Suan has previously been the subject of false posts, such as one claiming he was disqualified in the 2025 elections.

Rappler has also debunked a fake quote card attributed to the Cagayan de Oro lawmaker, which circulated after he voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte in February 2025. – Princess Leah Sagaad/Rappler.com

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