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False Claims of Marcos Impeachment Circulate on Social Media
A misleading YouTube video claiming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was removed from office through an impeachment complaint signed by his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, and Senator Rodante Marcoleta has been proven false by fact-checkers.
The video, uploaded on December 13, 2025, by a channel called “NEWS UPDATE FILES,” featured sensationalist captions and thumbnail text suggesting Marcos had been ousted. The video’s caption dramatically proclaimed: “This is it! Finally! Marcos Jr. ousted! Singled out by Imee and Marcoleta! He deserves it! It’s karma!”
Political analysts and constitutional experts point out that the video fundamentally misrepresents the Philippine impeachment process. Under the Philippine Constitution, senators cannot initiate impeachment proceedings against the president or any impeachable officer.
According to the Rules of Procedure in Impeachment Proceedings, specifically Rule II, a verified impeachment complaint can only be filed through three channels: by any member of the House of Representatives, by a citizen with an endorsement resolution from a House member, or by at least one-third of all House members.
“The video completely disregards the constitutional procedures for impeachment,” said a legal expert who requested anonymity. “Senators don’t file impeachment complaints; they act as judges during the trial phase if a case reaches the Senate.”
The misleading content emerged around the time when lawyer Andre de Jesus and Pusong Pinoy Partylist Representative Jernie Jett Nisay submitted a legitimate impeachment complaint to the House of Representatives on January 19. This timing suggests an attempt to capitalize on existing political tensions by spreading misinformation.
The Philippines has a multi-stage impeachment process that begins in the lower house. Once a verified complaint is filed and approved by the House, it is then forwarded to the Senate, which conducts the trial. A conviction requires the vote of at least two-thirds of all Senate members.
The false video has already reached a substantial audience, garnering over 16,470 views, 1,700 likes, and 76 comments. The YouTube channel behind the misinformation has 38,400 subscribers, raising concerns about the potential reach of such political falsehoods.
This type of content represents what media literacy experts call “news-cycle disinformation,” deliberately creating confusion around ongoing political events by misrepresenting official processes and constitutional procedures.
The spread of such misinformation comes at a sensitive time in Philippine politics, where impeachment discussions have occasionally surfaced in public discourse. Political analysts note that videos like these exploit political divisions and family dynamics within the Marcos clan to generate clicks and engagement.
Media watchdogs advise Filipinos to exercise caution when consuming political content online, especially videos with sensational claims about high-level government proceedings. They recommend verifying information through official government channels, legitimate news organizations, and the verified social media accounts of relevant institutions and personalities.
“This kind of misinformation undermines public understanding of how democratic institutions function,” said a political science professor from a Manila university. “It’s particularly dangerous because it portrays constitutional processes as simpler and more arbitrary than they actually are.”
Social media platforms continue to struggle with effectively moderating political misinformation in the Philippines, where online content often shapes public perception of political realities. Fact-checkers emphasize that understanding the proper channels and procedures for governmental processes is essential for an informed citizenry.
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16 Comments
While the video may have been sensational, it’s important that we rely on authoritative sources and legal experts to understand the proper impeachment procedures, rather than unsubstantiated claims.
Absolutely, fact-checking is crucial to ensure the public has access to accurate information on such important political matters.
It’s disappointing to see misleading content like this video circulating online. Fact-checking is crucial to maintain the integrity of the political system.
I agree, the public deserves to have access to reliable, unbiased information on important political matters.
The video’s claims about the impeachment process seem highly questionable. It’s good that fact-checkers are stepping in to provide the correct information and counter the spread of misinformation.
Definitely, transparency and accountability around political processes are essential for a healthy democracy.
Interesting to see how the impeachment process is portrayed in the media. While the video may be misleading, it’s important to understand the legal procedures behind removing an elected leader.
Agreed, the constitutional requirements for impeachment need to be clearly communicated to avoid confusion and misinformation.
The video’s claims about the impeachment process seem quite far-fetched. It’s good that fact-checkers are stepping in to correct the record and provide the actual details.
Absolutely, it’s important that we have a clear understanding of the legal procedures involved in impeachment, rather than relying on sensationalized or inaccurate portrayals.
While the video may have been attention-grabbing, it’s concerning to see such blatant misinformation being spread. Fact-checking is crucial to maintaining trust in our political institutions.
I agree, it’s important that the public has access to accurate, authoritative information on the impeachment process and other political matters.
While the video’s claims may be false, it’s good that fact-checkers are stepping in to clarify the proper impeachment procedures. Transparency around these processes is key for a healthy democracy.
Absolutely, misinformation can erode public trust, so it’s critical that authoritative sources provide accurate information on impeachment and other political processes.
This video seems to sensationalize the impeachment process. It’s crucial that news coverage on such important political matters remains factual and objective.
Fact-checking is essential to counter the spread of misinformation, especially around high-stakes political events.