FACT CHECK: Marcoleta not replacing Marcos as president

Claim: Senator Rodante Marcoleta will replace President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as president of the Philippines. 

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: A video uploaded on November 26 by the channel “NEWS UPDATE FILES” carried the title: “Good news! Confirmed! Marcoleta, New President? Marcos Jr., papalitan na (to be replaced)?”

The thumbnail repeats the same text and depicts Marcoleta holding up a document beside a visibly shocked Marcos.  

As of writing, the video has garnered more than 26,000 views, 2,700 likes, and 115 comments. Its description also includes the hashtags #blueribboncommittee, #Malacañang, and #PBBM.  

The facts: There is no credible evidence that Marcos is being replaced by Marcoleta. Malacañang has not released any notice reporting a leadership change. 

Marcos remains in office, as confirmed by press releases of recent events from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO). Marcoleta continues to serve as senator.

The video cited as “proof” merely shows political commentator Banat By reacting to a new video by Zaldy Co’s revelations about the bicam insertions (READ: Zaldy Co accuses Sandro Marcos of P50.9-B budget insertions). It does not present any information about a transition of power.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the vice president is first in line to assume the presidency if it is vacated. If both the presidency and vice presidency are empty, the Senate president takes over, followed by the House speaker. 

Clickbait: The thumbnail image of Marcoleta holding a document was taken during his filing of candidacy in October 2024. 

The video title and thumbnail are misleading, using sensational imagery and language to drive engagement through clickbait. 

Replacement woes: Rumors calling for Marcos’ resignation and speculation about his successors such as Vice President Sara Duterte or Marcoleta, have circulated online amid corruption allegations regarding the bicam insertion scheme and claims about his alleged drug use. Despite all this, Marcos remains unfazed and has rejected calls to step down. – Cyril Bocar/Rappler.com

Efren Cyril Bocar is a journalist from Llorente, Eastern Samar who graduated with a degree in English Language Studies at the Visayas State University. Cyril is also a graduate of the Aries Rufo Journalism Fellowship of Rappler for 2024. 

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