Malacañang on Tuesday rejected claims linking First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to the recent death of Paolo Tantoco, denying reports that he was part of her official entourage and denouncing what it called “fake news” being weaponized for political gain.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said allegations tying the First Lady to Tantoco’s cocaine overdose case are politically motivated and rooted in disinformation.
“It’s heartbreaking that private individuals who are grieving are being dragged into politics,” Castro said in a Palace briefing.
“Obstructionists are using this incident to discredit the First Lady, the President, and the administration. It is shameful,” she added.
Tantoco’s death, currently under investigation in the United States, was revealed in media reports to involve a cocaine overdose.
A supposed police report has since circulated on social media, implicating individuals in the First Lady’s circle and raising questions from critics, including Sen. Imee Marcos, who called for a full Palace report to “dispel speculation.”
Castro has since flatly denied the report’s authenticity.
“That so-called police report posted on Facebook is a complete fabrication,” Castro said.
“Even the highlighted section in pink, which mentions the suspected cause of death, was added and is not part of the official document,” she added.
Castro clarified that Tantoco was not part of the First Lady’s entourage during her March 2025 trip to Los Angeles, where she was accompanied by US-provided security and members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG).
She added that the First Lady stayed in a different hotel and had public engagements on the day in question, including a Filipino community concert attended by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.
The PCO Undersecretary expressed frustration over what she described as a coordinated attempt to undermine the administration.
“People pretending to be journalists, including former spokespersons, are spreading propaganda instead of truth,” Castro said.
“These are fake stories designed to deceive Filipinos and serve personal interests,” she added.
Regarding Sen. Marcos’ call for a comprehensive report on the matter, Castro said her remarks and public documentation should be sufficient.
“I’ve spoken clearly about the facts. Let’s not indulge in drama and gimmicks,” Castro said.
Asked about the First Lady’s reaction, Castro responded that she “knows the truth and prefers this not to be blown out of proportion.”
