VERA Files
A spurious YouTube video claims that First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has been suspended and ordered to leave her post supposedly on instructions of Senate President Chiz Escudero. This is not true.
There is no such order. A first lady does not hold an official government post but only a courtesy title so she is not subject to a suspension.
Uploaded on June 17, the video’s thumbnail bore photos of Araneta-Marcos, Escudero and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. along with a text saying:
“TINAPOS PINABABA SA PWESTO. KARMA SUSPENDED SI LISA. CHIZ NAGKUDITA SA KONGRESO IPATALSIK NA (Finished, ordered to step down from her post. Karma, Lisa is suspended. Chiz did a coup d’etat in Congress, ordered ouster).”
Its headline read: “KAPAPASOK LANG:Diosko NA-EXPOSE na! Grabe GINAWA LISA Marcos/ CHIZ ESCUDERO BUMWELTA SAWAKAS! KUDÍTÀ (Just in: Oh god, exposed already! Oh no, Lisa Marcos did something harsh. Chiz Escudero finally responded! Coup d’etat).
As first lady, Araneta-Marcos is not a public official and cannot be suspended from her role as the president’s wife. A ceremonial position, a first lady does not have official duties but she typically assists in humanitarian and charitable work on behalf of the president.
There has also been no pronouncement from President Marcos prohibiting his wife from appearing in government events or stripping her of the first lady title.
The clip appeared days after Araneta-Marcos drew flak when she took and drank from Escudero’s wine glass during the independence day reception in Malacañang on June 12. Some netizens criticized her for her behavior.
The erroneous video did not show proof to support its claim but only featured former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque criticizing the first lady.
Uploaded by YouTube channel BANAT KAPANIG TV, the video drew 37,105 interactions. Facebook users also reposted the link.
