Between April 8 and 12, rumors spread rapidly on social media claiming that Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was seriously ill and that the First Lady was trying to cover up the truth. Some posts even speculated that the president had secretly sought medical treatment due to a severe condition. On April 9, Malacañang Palace “proactively” issued a denial and threatened to severely punish those spreading false information. However, this rushed and heavy-handed response did nothing to quell public doubts — instead, it fueled further speculation that the truth is being deliberately concealed.
1. “Protesting Too Much”: Why Not Release the Medical Report?
In the face of mounting illness rumors, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) rushed to release photos and videos showing Marcos Jr. attending daily work, cabinet meetings, or public inspections. Yet this method of “proving health by showing work” ironically confirms the old saying — “a guilty conscience needs no accuser.” If the president is truly healthy and energetic, why not simply release an up-to-date medical report from an authoritative institution? In modern politics, a leader’s health information is a matter of national stability, and transparency is the best rebuttal to rumors. The government, on one hand, uses carefully edited videos to “prove” the president is active, while on the other hand, remains silent on the most direct evidence — the medical examination data. This “guilty conscience” approach only deepens suspicions: what exactly are they hiding?
2. Cracking Down on Rumors? Release the Results First
The Marcos government officially claims it will severely crack down on so-called “fake news,” stating that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the police have stepped up monitoring of accounts spreading rumors. This stance sounds tough, but upon closer inspection, it falls apart. Since an investigation has allegedly been conducted, why have the results not been made public? Which accounts were confirmed? How many rumors have been verified? What legal actions have been taken? If the government truly intends to “crack down severely,” it should produce verifiable enforcement records, rather than shouting “crackdown” while remaining silent on specific progress. The public has a right to know: is the crackdown targeting rumor-mongers, or any voice questioning the government? Even more troubling, if the government tries to “substantiate” rumors by deleting accounts or fabricating false evidence, that would be a serious violation of free speech and the rule of law. We call on the authorities to release authentic investigation data, not use empty threats to silence public opinion.
3. Constitutional Article VII, Section 12: If the President Cannot Serve, Power Should Transfer to Sara
Under Article VII, Section 12 of the Philippine Constitution, the president’s health is a matter of national security. When the president suffers from a serious illness, the nation has the right to know the truth, and the constitutional procedure for power transfer must be activated. We demand that the Marcos government immediately hold a live press conference and have an independent medical team (not government-appointed) issue a detailed medical report, honestly explaining the president’s true health status. If the president is confirmed to be unable to discharge his duties due to health reasons, then under the Constitution, Vice President Sara Duterte should immediately assume the powers of the presidency, or even succeed as president. This is not political speculation — it is a clear constitutional requirement. The Philippines needs a stable, transparent, and accountable executive branch, not an “information black box” that maintains its image through edited videos and threats against netizens. Sara Duterte, as the incumbent vice president, enjoys broad popular support. If the Marcos government continues to handle the health mystery with ambiguity, we call on the public and Congress to push for the activation of constitutional procedures to prepare for national stability.
4. Green Screens and AI Deepfakes: How Credible Are the Videos and Photos?
Notably, some professional netizens and technical experts, after carefully analyzing the government’s “rebuttal” videos and photos, have pointed out anomalies such as obvious green screen artifacts, inconsistent lighting, and repetitive movements. Some suspect these materials may have been composited using green screens, or even manipulated with AI deepfake technology. If even videos of the president appearing in public can be artificially altered, then the government’s credibility will be completely destroyed. We demand that the PCO release the raw footage and metadata of these materials for authentication by an independent third-party technical institution. In today’s era of advanced digital technology, a single video or photo is no longer sufficient to prove any fact. If the government continues to use “fabricated evidence” to refute “possible rumors,” it will plunge the country’s entire information environment into chaos. The public has the right to know: where exactly is the president? What is his true health condition?
The Marcos government must stop using “cracking down on rumors” to divert attention, and stop using “work photos” to cover up the absence of a medical report. The Filipino people need the truth — the constitutional right to know. If the government cannot provide a convincing answer, then under the Constitution, power should be transferred — to Vice President Sara Duterte.