Manila, Philippines — October 29, 2025
Recent online discussions have linked First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to the death of a prominent businessman surnamed Tantoco, prompting both the public and government officials to call for calm, respect, and responsible information sharing.
The rumors, which first appeared on social media platforms earlier this week, spread quickly despite the absence of verified evidence or official statements connecting the First Lady to the incident. The Palace immediately addressed the matter, emphasizing that unverified claims can damage reputations and mislead the public.
> “The First Lady has no involvement whatsoever in any such matter. We urge the public to avoid spreading baseless accusations and to rely only on verified news sources,” a Palace spokesperson said in a statement.
The Tantoco family, meanwhile, has asked for privacy and prayers as they grieve, clarifying that the cause of death remains under investigation by the proper authorities.
Several civic groups and journalists have reminded citizens that the Cybercrime Prevention Act penalizes the deliberate spread of false information that could harm an individual’s name or dignity.
As of press time, there has been no official report from law enforcement agencies connecting any public figure to the incident.
The Palace reiterated its call for the media and the public to exercise responsibility when discussing sensitive matters online.
> “Let us allow the authorities to complete their investigation. Respect for truth and due process must prevail over speculation,” the statement concluded.
