A shocking rumor has set social media ablaze in the Philippines this week: alleged CCTV footage from a luxury hotel in Los Angeles purportedly shows Liza Araneta-Marcos acting suspiciously around Paolo Tantoco’s mother. The claim? That the First Lady was hiding or “covering up” something in the days following Paolo Tantoco’s death in March. But how much of this sensational story holds up under scrutiny?

The story ignited after a video titled “CCTV FOOTAGE SA HOTEL SA L.A.! LIZA KABADO NA! PAGTAKIP KAY LIZA NG NANAY NI PAOLO TANTOCO ITO NA!” suddenly trended on YouTube and Facebook. Viewers were alerted to supposed surveillance footage capturing Liza Marcos—wife of the Philippine President—moving stealthily within the Beverly Hilton Hotel, allegedly hiding Paolo’s mother. Another clip hinted at family members shielding Liza’s presence from hotel staff, fueling speculation of a cover-up.

News and fact-check outlets, however, stepped in quickly. VERA Files debunked a similar claim regarding a faked police report involving Liza Marcos and Paolo’s death—findings that echo here. The post sharing the L.A. footage contained no verifiable proof, nor confirmation from Beverly Hills Police or hotel authorities. In fact, Malacañang has repeatedly denied Liza’s involvement in any suspicious activity following Paolo’s passing.

What we do know is this: Paolo Tantoco, heir to the legendary Rustan family business, tragically died on March 8, 2025, in the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later confirmed his death was due to a cocaine overdose, with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease noted as a contributing factor.

Despite the medical report, rumors surged online—some even claiming Liza Marcos was detained by U.S. police, or that Paolo’s cause of death was being manipulated to hide bigger secrets. Nothing could be further from the truth. Philippine officials, including the Presidential Communications Office, have affirmed that Liza was never arrested, questioned, or labelled as a suspect.

Still, the drama didn’t stop. Hundreds of posts claiming to show CCTV footage continue to circulate on platforms like YouTube and Facebook, attracting massive viewer engagement. Though none link to credible evidence or official confirmation, the clips remain viewed and shared at alarming rates.

So how did the controversy grow? It’s a perfect storm of public intrigue: a beloved billionaire dies under tragic circumstances, his high-profile in-laws include a former First Lady, and the U.S. setting adds a layer of mystery. When online posts paint Liza Marcos as “kabado” (anxious or hiding), rumors spread like wildfire. But without verification—from hotel camera footage, police logs, or eyewitness accounts—they remain unsubstantiated speculations.

Those hungry for details should remember this: no official statement, no CCTV clips, and no credible source confirm any of the whispered allegations. What we have instead is a classic example of modern rumor-making—magnified by sensational headlines and fueled by fear, curiosity, and a hunger for drama. A sober reexamination of facts reveals bending the truth to build a scandal.

What you saw online was a powerful prompt, but not proof—it was a narrative in search of evidence. As the public demand for clarity continues, journalists and fact-checkers urge caution: verify before you amplify. Rumors may be cheap; reputations—and the truth—are far more precious.