A storm of speculation erupted in July after a supposed police report and CCTV video went viral, linking First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to the tragic death of Paolo Tantoco, heir to Rustan’s. The allegations quickly spiraled—from whispers of drug overdose to accusations of a cover-up by the Marcos family. Yet, beneath the sensational headlines lies a sobering truth: much of what’s swirling online is fabricated.

At the center of the controversy is an image circulated by hardline political circles, falsely claiming a Beverly Hills Police Department report placed Liza with Paolo and others at the time of his death. However, independent fact-checkers—including VERA Files and ABS-CBN News—have confirmed the document was doctored. No reference to Liza or any “white powder” appeared in the original blotter obtained by ABS-CBN on July 15.

Malacañang also stepped forward, affirming the video clip and police report were fake and vowing legal action against their creators. As First Lady Marcos was never named in the legitimate report, officials emphasized that there was no police record linking her to Paolo at the time of his death.

What we do know is grounded in official records. Paolo Tantoco passed away on March 8, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined his death was caused by cocaine effects and noted atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but found no link to any accomplice. Despite the presence of cocaine being noted, it was categorized as an accidental death—not a fatal overdose or involved crime.

The clip that circulated alongside the fake report attempted to stir public concern, showing alleged CCTV footage from the hotel. Yet credible sources—both Philippine and American—say there is no such video tying Liza to Paolo’s death. Investigators and diplomats confirmed the First Lady was never arrested, detained, or questioned by U.S. authorities in connection with the case.

This uproar speaks to a broader context: political misinformation. Analysts suggest these tampered documents are a strategic weapon, deployed to manipulate public opinion and inject scandal into a sensitive moment. It’s a stark reminder that viral intrigue doesn’t guarantee truth.

So why is this important? Three reasons stand out:

Truth matters: When sensational claims are based on doctored documents, they can irreversibly damage reputations and relationships.

Digital responsibility: In an age of deep fakes and rapid circulation, we must scrutinize content before sharing.

Public trust: Accurate information on this case is essential—both for transparency and for respecting those grieving.

As Paolo’s family continues to process their loss and as local authorities wrap up their inquiries, one thing remains clear: the official narrative does not involve a cover-up or any connection to Liza Marcos. That narrative deserves a voice louder than any fabricated headline.

If you’re seeing claims of CCTV footage or scandalous police blotters, pause and fact-check. The truth isn’t always click-worthy, but it is what honors real loss—and upholds public trust.