Claim: Filipino doctor Jubert Benedicto, chair of the Council on Tuberculosis of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians, endorses Bee Venom PH cream, asserting that it is a product of St. Luke's Medical Center.
Why we fact-checked this: A Facebook video promoting "Bee Venom PH" as a cure for joint pains and claiming it is a product of St. Luke's Medical Center has over 250 reactions, 30 comments, and 12 shares. The Facebook page, "Bones Care - Bee Venom," currently has over 1,000 likes and 1,500 followers.
In the video, Dr. Benedicto says: "Ang orihinal na Bee Venom PH ay may natural na kulay dilaw at nakikita ang epekto sa loob lamang ng dalawa hanggang tatlong araw.... Bawat kahon ay may kasamang dokumento mula sa Department of Health at FDA Philippines. May selyo at logo ng St. Luke's Medical Center. Marami nang pasyente ang gumaling gamit ang BeeVenom PH, isang produckto ng St. Luke's Medical Center, kaya tunay na sigurado at epektibo ito."
(The original Bee Venom PH has a natural yellow color, and its effects can be seen in just two to three days.... Every box comes with a document from the Department of Health and FDA Philippines. It has the seal and logo of St. Luke's Medical Center. Many patients have been cured using BeeVenom PH, a product of St. Luke's Medical Center, which is why it is guaranteed and effective.)
The post's comment section is filled with social media users inquiring about the product's price and ways to place an order.
The facts: The video was generated via artificial intelligence. DeCopy's image analysis software, which flags AI-generated content, shows that the image accompanying the claim has a 100% probability of being AI-generated.
St. Luke's also debunked the claims in a post on September 5, 2025, stating they do not manufacture or endorse the product, and that the use of their logo and name for any online posts about Bee Venom is unauthorized.
"Unverified and unregulated use of the products may pose serious health risks to individuals, including harmful side effects, allergic reactions, or complications if used as a substitute for medical care," St. Luke's wrote.
The hospital also warned the public against purchasing unverified health products online, reminding them to consult licensed physicians for any medical needs or concerns.
Unregistered: Contrary to the product's claims, Bee Venom PH cream is not registered with the Philippine Food and Drug Administration, based on a search using the verification portal on the agency's website.
Rappler has previously debunked claims advertising bee venom products and supposed cures for joint pain, especially videos claiming to be from known medical experts and medical institutions across the country:
- Reinnard Balonzo/Rappler.com