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Philippine Supreme Court Raid on Malacañang Palace Debunked as False
Claims of a Supreme Court-ordered raid at Malacañang Palace and the subsequent arrest of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and several senators for illegal drug use have been thoroughly debunked by fact-checkers. The allegations, which spread rapidly across social media platforms in early February, have no basis in reality.
The sensationalized narrative appeared in a series of videos uploaded by the YouTube channel “Boses ng Masa” on February 1 and 2. With provocative titles like “Exposed! Palace turned into a drug den?! PBBM and several politicians jailed after a sudden raid?!” the videos fabricated a dramatic scenario of chaos within the presidential palace, complete with descriptions of officials frantically running and doors being forcibly opened.
These videos collectively garnered almost 19,000 views and over 800 likes, spreading misinformation during an already tense political climate in the Philippines. The timing coincided with ongoing controversies surrounding the flood control corruption scandal and impeachment complaints filed against President Marcos.
Verification of official sources confirms no such raid took place. President Marcos continues to perform his official duties as evidenced by regular updates from the Presidential Communications Office. The Philippine Supreme Court, which does not have the authority to conduct raids, has made no statements regarding the alleged incident. Law enforcement agencies that would typically execute such operations—including the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Philippine National Police—have reported no such activity.
The fabricated claims appear designed to capitalize on existing controversies surrounding the President. Allegations of drug use have dogged Marcos for years, with his predecessor, former president Rodrigo Duterte, among those who have made such accusations. More recently, in November 2025, Senator Imee Marcos, the President’s sister, claimed that her brother and the First Family were “drug addicts,” allegations that Malacañang promptly dismissed as unfounded.
Drug use allegations were also included in an impeachment complaint against Marcos filed in January 2026. However, on February 4, the House justice committee rejected these complaints, declaring them “insufficient in substance.”
This is not the first time President Marcos has been the target of misinformation. Since taking office, he has faced numerous fabricated claims, transitioning from being a beneficiary of disinformation during his campaign to becoming a frequent target of false narratives and deepfakes.
The circulation of these unfounded claims highlights the persistent challenge of disinformation in Philippine politics. Social media platforms continue to serve as fertile ground for sensationalized content that can quickly gain traction despite lacking credible sources or factual basis.
Media literacy experts emphasize the importance of verifying information through multiple credible sources before sharing it, particularly when claims involve high-profile government officials or sensational scenarios. The proliferation of such misleading content underscores the ongoing struggle against disinformation in the digital age and its potential to influence public perception during politically sensitive periods.
The false raid allegations come amid genuine political tensions in the Philippines, where corruption allegations and impeachment efforts have created a volatile environment ripe for exploitation by purveyors of misinformation.
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10 Comments
This is an interesting fact check. The allegations about a Supreme Court-ordered raid at Malacañang Palace seem to be completely fabricated. Good to see the reporting debunking this misinformation and confirming there is no truth to the sensationalized narrative.
The detailed fact-checking in this report is impressive. Thoroughly investigating the origins and lack of evidence behind these allegations is essential for maintaining public trust and countering the harmful effects of misinformation.
While it’s concerning to see such blatantly false claims circulating, it’s reassuring that the authorities and fact-checkers were able to quickly identify and debunk them. Staying vigilant against misinformation is crucial for preserving the integrity of the political process.
This is a good reminder to be cautious about unverified claims, especially those with sensational titles or dramatic descriptions. It’s wise to cross-check information from reputable sources before believing or sharing such stories.
It’s concerning to see how quickly misinformation can spread, especially during politically charged times. Fact-checking is crucial to combat the spread of false narratives. Glad the authorities were able to verify there was no truth to these claims.
Agreed. Verifying claims with official sources is so important to cut through the noise of social media. Misinformation can be very damaging, so it’s good to see it being promptly debunked in this case.
It’s good to see the authorities taking these false claims seriously and quickly debunking them. Spreading misinformation, especially about sensitive political issues, can have serious consequences and should be addressed firmly.
The fact that these false allegations about a Supreme Court raid coincided with other political controversies in the Philippines suggests they may have been intentionally fabricated to create further unrest. Vigilance against misinformation is clearly necessary.
Absolutely. The timing of these false claims is quite suspicious and indicates they were likely part of a broader disinformation campaign. Fact-checking and media literacy are crucial tools to combat such manipulative tactics.
This is a valuable lesson in the importance of verifying information, especially online. Social media makes it easy for false narratives to spread rapidly, so it’s crucial to cross-check claims against reliable sources before believing or sharing them.