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In a clear demonstration of the persistent problem of online misinformation, false claims that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has resigned from office continue to circulate on social media, despite no official confirmation from Malacañang Palace.
A YouTube video posted on April 17, 2026, by a channel called “PINAS BALITA TV” has garnered over 9,800 views with its sensational claim that Marcos has stepped down and Vice President Sara Duterte is poised to assume the presidency. The channel, which presents itself as a legitimate news outlet and boasts 170,000 subscribers, titled the video with alarming language suggesting an imminent change in leadership.
The video’s narrator alleges that multiple Cabinet members are resigning, indicating a loss of confidence in the Marcos administration and suggesting the President should be replaced. However, fact-checking efforts have confirmed these claims are entirely false.
President Marcos remains in office, with no announcements from Malacañang Palace or any government authorities regarding his resignation, removal, or any transfer of power to Vice President Duterte. The constitutional requirements for presidential succession, as outlined in Article VII, Section 8 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, have not been triggered. These conditions include death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation—none of which have occurred.
This isn’t the first time such misinformation has spread. Recently, multiple false narratives about Marcos’ health have circulated online, suggesting Vice President Duterte could soon assume the presidency. Marcos himself addressed these rumors during an impromptu Malacañang briefing on April 13, where he dismissed claims of serious illness and stated he was in “very, very good health.” The President also confirmed he had fully recovered from a January 2026 hospitalization for diverticulitis and continues performing his full presidential duties.
The timing of these false claims coincides with political tension surrounding Vice President Duterte herself. The House justice committee recently conducted its second impeachment hearing against Duterte on April 14, which the Vice President did not attend. The proceedings centered on allegations of misuse of confidential funds.
During the hearing, Ramil Madriaga, who described himself as a former “bagman” for Duterte, testified about alleged irregularities in fund handling and claimed connections between Duterte’s circle and questionable government spending. Following the testimony, the House issued subpoenas for Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) and income tax returns.
Additionally, the Commission on Audit (COA) has ordered the Office of the Vice President to return P375 million in confidential funds from 2023, citing multiple violations of rules governing such expenditures.
The House has a 60-day timeline from February 23 to resolve the complaints against the Vice President. If the committee approves a report recommending impeachment, it would require a one-third vote in the House plenary before moving to the Senate for trial. Only a Senate conviction would remove Duterte from office and permanently disqualify her from holding public office.
This case highlights the ongoing challenge of misinformation in Philippine politics, where false narratives can quickly gain traction through social media channels posing as legitimate news sources. As political tensions continue between various factions, experts warn that vigilance against such misinformation remains crucial for maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.
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5 Comments
Interesting, this sounds like a concerning case of misinformation spreading online. It’s crucial that the public has access to accurate information from reliable sources, especially when it comes to important political matters. I hope the relevant authorities are able to effectively address this issue.
Fact-checking is so important in today’s digital landscape, where false claims can spread rapidly. I’m glad the authorities were able to confirm that the reports of Marcos’ resignation are unfounded. It’s crucial that citizens have access to the truth, even in the face of sensationalized narratives.
This is a good reminder of the need to be cautious about information shared on social media, especially from channels that may not be reputable. I appreciate the efforts of the Disinformation Commission to provide accurate, fact-based reporting on important political developments.
As a citizen, it’s concerning to see misinformation like this circulating online. I’m glad the authorities were able to swiftly debunk these false claims. Maintaining trust in our democratic institutions is crucial, and fact-checking plays a vital role in that process.
Misinformation can be damaging, especially when it relates to the leadership of a country. I commend the efforts of the Disinformation Commission to provide reliable, fact-based reporting on this issue. It’s important that the public has access to the truth, even in the face of sensationalized narratives.