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In a recent wave of misinformation spreading across social media, claims that Vice President Sara Duterte has replaced Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as the president of the Philippines have been debunked as entirely false.
The misleading claim originated from a Facebook post that garnered over 3,100 likes, 2,400 comments, and 156 shares. The post featured text reading “BBM bagsak na? Sara president now? Bigay na kay Sara” (Is this the downfall of BBM? Sara is now the president? Just hand it over to Sara), alongside a sensationalized caption claiming a “pro-BBM rally” had been hit by criticism and that Sara Duterte was “the one who remains strong.”
Constitutional experts point out that Marcos continues to serve as the Philippines’ duly elected president, with no changes to the country’s leadership having occurred. According to Article VII, Section 8 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the vice president can only assume the presidency under specific circumstances: in case of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of the sitting president.
None of these conditions apply to President Marcos, who continues to perform his official duties without interruption. There have been no official announcements regarding any transfer of power, and social media criticism—regardless of its volume or intensity—does not constitute grounds for presidential removal under Philippine law.
The false claim emerges against a backdrop of growing political tension between Marcos and Duterte, who were elected on the same ticket in 2022 but have since become political rivals. Both face separate allegations of corruption that have affected their standings in public opinion polls.
According to December 2025 data from respected polling organization Pulse Asia, Duterte maintains stronger public support with 56% approval and 54% trust ratings, despite facing a plunder complaint over alleged misuse of confidential funds. Marcos, meanwhile, recorded 34% approval and 32% trust ratings—a slight improvement from his record-low 33% approval rating in September, which followed several administration controversies including a flood control scandal.
Regional differences in support are notable, with Duterte receiving majority trust ratings in the Visayas, Mindanao, and among lower-income demographics—the same areas where Marcos experiences his lowest levels of trust. In Metro Manila, trust in Duterte has increased compared to previous surveys, while Marcos has seen his numbers decline.
Political analysts suggest this divergence in popularity may be fueling speculation and misinformation about potential leadership changes. However, they emphasize that constitutional processes for presidential succession remain clear and have not been triggered.
The viral post appears designed to capitalize on existing political tensions, using clickbait tactics to direct users to another site. This pattern follows a concerning trend of political misinformation that has become increasingly common on social media platforms in the Philippines.
Media literacy experts recommend that citizens verify political claims through official government channels and established news organizations before sharing potentially misleading content, particularly during periods of heightened political sensitivity.
As the situation stands, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains the legitimate president of the Philippines, with Sara Duterte continuing in her role as vice president according to the constitutional mandate received through their 2022 election.
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9 Comments
The details provided on the constitutional requirements for a presidential transition are helpful in understanding the legal framework. It’s encouraging to see the authorities addressing misinformation proactively.
The Constitution’s provisions for presidential succession are clearly spelled out. It’s good to see the authorities upholding the rule of law and maintaining institutional stability.
Yes, it’s reassuring to see the constitutional process being followed. Preserving democratic norms and procedures is vital, even in the face of political turmoil or speculation.
Interesting to see the continued stability of the Philippines’ political leadership. It’s important to rely on authoritative sources and constitutional experts when it comes to understanding the country’s governance structures.
Agreed, it’s crucial to verify claims against the actual legal and institutional frameworks in place. Spreading misinformation, even inadvertently, can undermine public trust.
While it’s natural for people to speculate about political developments, it’s crucial to rely on authoritative sources and expert analysis. Spreading unverified claims can have serious consequences.
This article underscores the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking when it comes to political news and social media claims. It’s a good reminder to be wary of sensationalized narratives.
This article highlights the need to be cautious about unverified social media claims, especially around sensitive political topics. Fact-checking is essential to prevent the spread of disinformation.
Absolutely. It’s concerning to see how quickly misinformation can gain traction online. Robust journalistic standards are key to providing the public with accurate, reliable information.