Palace slams social media posts targeting first lady, eyes legal action

Metro Manila, Philippines - Malacañang condemned the online circulation of what it called a “fake police report” that linked First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to a death in the United States.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the disinformation aims to smear the reputation of the first family and warned that legal action may be considered.

“Nakakalungkot dahil iyong mga pribadong tao na nagluluksa ay nadadamay sa pamumulitika,” she said in a press briefing on Tuesday, July 15.

[Translation: It’s sad that private individuals who are in mourning are being dragged into politics.]

Castro hit political obstructionists for weaponizing misinformation to damage the administration.

“Ginagamit ng ibang obstructionist para masira ang first lady, ang pangulo at ang administrasyon na ito. Nakakahiya ang kanilang mga ginagawa,” she said.

[Translation: Some obstructionists are using this to discredit the first lady, the president, and this administration. Their actions are shameful.]

At the center of the controversy was a Facebook post of a purported police report, which Castro described as fabricated.

“Ang sinasabing police report na nai-post sa Facebook ay isang malaking kasinungalingan,” she said

[Translation: The alleged police report posted on Facebook is a complete lie.]

The Palace press officer said anyone could verify with the Beverly Hills Police Department in Los Angeles, California, USA that portions of the report, especially those implying drug overdose, were edited in.

She added that a person mentioned in the circulating post was not in Mrs. Marcos’ group in the US trip.

“Si Mr. Paolo Tantoco ay hindi po kasama sa official entourage ni first lady,” Castro said.

[Translation: Mr. Paolo Tantoco was not part of the first lady’s official entourage.]

She also detailed some points in the US trip to include official engagements on March 8 such as a concert for the Filipino community attended by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.

“Mayroon po siyang security service na provide ng US at mayroon din po siyang kasamang PSG. Hindi rin po siya nag-stay sa nasabing hotel ni Mr. Tantoco,” Castro said.

[Translation: She had US-provided security and was accompanied by the Presidential Security Group. She also did not stay at Mr. Tantoco’s hotel.]

Castro said media personalities posing as journalists but spreading lies for personal or political gain are harming the public.

She said taking legal action is under consideration.

“Pag-aaralan po iyan. Mukhang napapanahon po,” the press officer said.

[Translation: That will be studied. It seems it’s about time.]