FACT CHECK: No, Sara Duterte won’t be proclaimed president over Marcos health rumors

Claim:  Vice President Sara Duterte will be proclaimed as the new president of the Philippines because of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s uncertain health condition.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: The claim appeared on a Facebook page posing as a news outlet with 41,000 followers, and as of writing, the post has 3,300 likes, 814 comments, and 181 shares.

Text overlaid on the photo reads: “Breaking news: Ipoproclaim na! Pres Sara emergency meeting.” (She will be proclaimed! VP Sara is calling an emergency meeting.)

The post further claims that Marcos’ health condition appears uncertain amid the country’s ongoing challenges, while speculation grows over Duterte possibly assuming leadership.

Several commenters in the post appear to accept the claim as factual, with top comments asserting that Duterte will assume leadership to address national issues amid an alleged crisis. Others offer congratulatory remarks and describe her as the country’s “best president.” 

The facts: Marcos remains the sitting president of the Philippines, with no official announcement from Malacañang or any government authority indicating his removal from office or any transfer of power to Duterte. 

Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the vice president is allowed to assume the presidency only in clearly defined situations. Article VII, Section 8 states: “In case of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of the President, the Vice-President shall become the President to serve the unexpired term.”

These constitutional triggers are strictly limited and must be officially established before any succession can take place. At present, none of these conditions apply to Marcos. He continues to serve as president, carrying out his official duties, with no resignation, impeachment, or declaration of permanent incapacity issued by any competent authority.

Marcos’ health: False claims about Marcos’ health have escalated online alongside attacks on mainstream media, in what Malacañang and analysts describe as a coordinated disinformation campaign. Amid circulating health rumors, the President addressed the issue on Monday, April 13, 2026. (READ: Me, sick? Come to the gym with me, Marcos challenges detractors )

“I challenge anyone who are saying that I am sick, that they come and exercise with me. We will see who is stronger. You come to the gym with me. Tingnan natin kung sino mas malakas magbuhat ng weight (We’ll see who can lift more weights),” Marcos said during an impromptu press briefing in Malacañang.

The remarks came after weeks of unverified online posts alleging that the President had been seriously ill or had died, which Malacañang has denied. Marcos used the briefing to directly counter the rumors, stating that he remains in “very, very good health” and even demonstrated physical activity during the engagement to show his condition.

He also referenced a January 2026 hospitalization when he was diagnosed with diverticulitis, clarifying that he has since recovered. – Marjuice Destinado/Rappler.com

Marjuice Destinado is a senior political science student at Cebu Normal University (CNU) and an alumna of the Aries Rufo Journalism Fellowship of Rappler for 2025.

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