'Obstructionists' behind 'fake police report' linking FL Liza Marcos to Paolo Tantoco's death: Malacañang
Malacañang slammed a "fake police report" linking First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to the death of Rustan Commercial Corporation heir Paolo Tantoco, adding that it's mulling legal action against "obstructionists" who are spreading it on social media.
"Ang sinasabing police report na naipost sa Facebook ay isang malaking kasinungalingan," Palace spokesperson Claire Castro said in a July 15 press briefing.
This comes after the release of a Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner report that Tantoco's death was primarily caused by "cocaine effects" with "probable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease" as a contributing condition in case no. 2025-04377.
Another alleged police report circulated on Facebook, stating that officers were purportedly dispatched to the Beverly Hilton Hotel as the 44-year-old Rustan's executive was being given chest compressions by hotel security on March 8. He was pronounced dead, with authorities allegedly speculating a drug overdose as "white powder" suspected to be cocaine was reportedly scattered on tables and the floor. The supposed report also listed Araneta-Marcos, Alexa Miro, and Tantoco's wife, Malacañang Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo-Tantoco as his companions.
Malacañang, however, maintained that some of the contents of the report were falsified.
"Kahit kayo po mismo ay maaring mag-imbestiga sa nasabing lugar sa Beverly Hills Police Department para malaman ninyo na 'yung nilagay sa Facebook na may guhit na color pink, kung hindi ako nagkakamali, ay dinagdag lamang," Castro said.
"Nag-start ang mga salitang, 'And the cause of initially suspected to be drug overdose' up to the word 'Miro,' 'yan po ay dinagdag lamang," she noted.
Per Castro, the alleged report was created by "obstructionists" to ruin the image of the First Lady, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., and the Marcos administration for "personal interests."
She stressed that Tantoco was not part of the First Lady's entourage during her US trip and that they didn't stay in the same hotel. This is contrary to a report by Hollywood LA News that said the business executive joined Araneta-Marcos in promoting the Manila International Film Festival in Hollywood from March 4 to 7.
Castro also presented to the press a photo of the First Lady at the Konsyerto Para sa Pilipino event with Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on March 8, the same day Tantoco died.
"Papaano masasabi ng mga obstructionists na 'to, ng mga fake news peddlers na 'to, ang patungkol sa mga nakita nilang tao sa vicinity? Kaya po 'yan ay dinagdag lamang," Castro said.
"Nandito naman po 'yan sa Facebook ng Unang Ginang pero kahit ito ay nasa Facebook at nai-report naman, pilit nilang binabago ang kwento. Nakakalungkot at kapwa Pilipino ang kanilang niloloko para sa personal na interes."
Sen. Imee Marcos calls for Palace report on Tantoco's death
On July 14, Sen. Imee Marcos called on Malacañang to issue a comprehensive report on the circumstances of Tantoco's death, "including any involvement—direct or indirect—of the First Lady or other Philippine government officials."
"I also call for the clarification of the First Lady's whereabouts at the relevant time, as may be reflected in official records such as the Medical Examiner's Report, to dispel further speculation," the presidential sister said in a statement.
When asked for a comment on Imee's statement, Castro said, "Nakakalungkot dahil 'yung mga pribadong tao na nagluluksa ay nadadamay sa pamumulitika."
"Nakakahiya ang kanilang mga ginagawa," she added.
According to Castro, Araneta-Marcos is doing "okay" amid the allegations linking her to Tantoco's death. "Wala pong ikinababahala ang Unang Ginang dahil alam po niya ang katotohanan at makikita mismo ang records na 'yan."
The Palace spokesperson added that legal action against those who are spreading false claims against the First Lady are being considered. "Pag-aaralan po 'yan. Mukhang napapanahon po."
Rustan Commercial Corporation president Donnie Tantoco confirmed his brother Paolo's passing on March 9. The cause of his death was not specified at the time.
