MANILA — Actor Dingdong Dantes denied circulating claims that he made a statement about Vice President Sara Duterte.

On Facebook, Dantes shared a screenshot of a post from a netizen claiming he said, “Nakakatakot pag nanalo si VP Sara. Nakikita ko sa kanya ang tapang talino at abilidad na may kakayahang mamuno gaya ng kanyang ama” (“It’s intimidating if VP Sara wins. I see in her the courage, intelligence, and ability to lead like her father”).

In his caption, Dantes clarified, “Hindi ko ‘to sinabi” (“I did not say this”). The post was later removed, and the netizen issued an apology.

In a follow-up Facebook post, Dantes said he forgives the netizen.

“Dingdong Dantes said: Apology accepted,” he wrote.

He also urged the public to be vigilant about misinformation and to engage in respectful discourse.

“Nawa’y maging mas mapanuri po tayong lahat, lalo na sa misinformation at disinformation… at sa bawat diskurso, piliin sana natin ang respeto sa kapwa Pilipino. Peace!” he added.

Last week, Duterte announced her intention to run for the Philippine presidency in 2028.