PAGCOR Photo Contest Entries Questioned Over Possible AI Use

Two entries in the 2026 Photography Contest of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) have faced online criticism, with netizens questioning whether the photos were generated or edited using artificial intelligence.

PAGCOR posted the contest finalists on its Facebook page on Thursday, August 27. The competition has two categories: drone and mobile photography. This year’s theme, Kids@Play, celebrates children, play, and community activities. Entries were accepted from February 1 to June 30.

In the drone category, the entry Where Dreams Take Flight from Daanbantayan, Cebu, drew criticism over its lighting and shadows. Several netizens pointed out that the shadows of the people in the photo appeared to point in different directions despite seemingly having the same light source. Others questioned some details in the image and suggested checking it with AI detection tools.

The mobile category also had a controversial entry. Kadang-kadang from Tagum City, Davao del Norte, was questioned by netizens because of its lighting, shadows, and the similar appearance and positions of the children in the photo.

Some commenters said the images looked unnatural and raised doubts about whether they were taken as presented. Others asked the photographers to provide the original or additional shots from the same series to support the authenticity of the entries.

The criticism quickly spread online, but there has been no official confirmation that either photograph was created or altered using AI. Claims from online commenters, including results from AI detection tools, do not by themselves prove that a photo was AI-generated.

The controversy comes as the public awaits the announcement of the contest’s grand winners on September 15, 2026.

PAGCOR has not yet released an official statement regarding the concerns raised about the two entries. For now, the issue remains a matter of online debate, with netizens calling for clarification about the photographs and whether they meet the contest’s rules on authenticity and editing.