Marcos Remains in Office, No Resignation Occurred

In a decisive response to circulating rumors, Malacañang Palace has emphatically stated that resignation is “not an option” for Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., despite viral claims suggesting otherwise.

The statement comes amid unfounded assertions that began spreading on social media platforms last week. A YouTube video posted on November 23, which has already garnered over 23,000 views and 1,400 likes, falsely claimed that President Marcos had resigned and that his family was removing their belongings from the presidential palace.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro directly addressed these rumors during a media briefing on November 18, confirming that the President continues to carry out his duties without interruption. “The President is still working and keeps on working for the country, so resignation is not an option for the administration or for the President,” Castro emphasized.

Political analysts note that the false claims appear to have emerged against a backdrop of escalating tensions within the country’s political landscape. Supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte have recently increased calls for Marcos to step down, creating fertile ground for misinformation to flourish.

Compounding the political drama is a public family rift that has captivated national attention. Senator Imee Marcos, the President’s sister, made shocking allegations during an Iglesia ni Cristo rally in Manila on November 17, publicly accusing her brother, the First Lady, and their children of illegal drug use. The senator suggested that the alleged substance abuse had contributed to government corruption and poor decision-making.

President Marcos addressed these allegations during a press conference on Monday, November 24, making the remarkable claim that the woman speaking on television was “not my sister.” He expressed concern for her well-being and revealed that he and his immediate family no longer move in the same political or personal circles as Senator Imee.

“Discussing family matters publicly is unpleasant,” Marcos stated, clearly attempting to distance himself from the controversy while maintaining his presidential composure.

The President’s son, Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos, has also publicly refuted his aunt’s claims, characterizing them as “false and dangerously irresponsible.”

This family dispute unfolds against the background of broader challenges facing the Marcos administration, including persistent allegations of corruption linked to flood control projects that have dogged government officials throughout 2025.

Media watchdogs and fact-checking organizations have warned that the current political climate creates ideal conditions for misinformation to spread rapidly. The YouTube channel that posted the false resignation claim has 168,000 subscribers and presents itself as a legitimate news outlet, making its misleading content particularly problematic.

Political scientists point out that the Marcos-Duterte alliance, which once appeared unshakable during the 2022 election campaign, has shown increasing signs of strain in recent months. Some observers suggest the escalating tensions could be positioning key political figures for the 2028 presidential race, still years away but already influencing current political dynamics.

For now, government operations continue as normal, with President Marcos maintaining his public schedule and official duties, despite the swirling rumors and family conflict that have captured public attention across the Philippines.