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Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the vice president can assume the presidency in cases of death, resignation, removal or incapacity – none of which apply to President Marcos Jr.
Claim: Vice President Sara Duterte will be declared the new president of the Philippines due to the health condition of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Rating: LIE
Why we looked at these facts: The claim appeared on a Facebook page posing as a news outlet with 41,000 followers, and as of writing, the post has 3,300 likes, 814 comments, and 181 shares.
The caption on the photo reads: “Important information: To be announced! Pres Sarah emergency meeting.” (To be announced! VP Sara calls an emergency meeting.)
The publication also claims that Marcos’ health appears to be uncertain amid ongoing challenges in the country, with speculation mounting about the possibility of Duterte taking over.
Several commenters on the post seem to accept the claims as fact, with the top commenters claiming that Duterte will take the lead to address national issues amid the alleged conflict. Others give words of congratulations and call him “the best president of the country”.
Facts: Marcos remains the president of the Philippines, with no official announcement from Malacañang or any government authority indicating his removal from office or any transfer of power to Duterte.
Under The 1987 Philippine Constitutionthe vice president is allowed to hold the presidency only in clearly defined situations. Article VII, section 8 states: “In the event of death, permanent disability, removal from power, or resignation of the President, the Vice President will be the acting President for the unexpired term.”
These constitutional triggers are strictly limited and must be formalized before any succession can occur. Currently, none of these conditions apply to Marcos. He continues to serve as president, performing his official duties, without resignation, impeachment, or declaration of permanent incapacity issued by any competent authority.
Marcos Health: False claims about Marcos’ health have proliferated online as well as attacks in the mainstream media, in what Malacañang and analysts describe as a coordinated disinformation campaign. Amid rumors about health, the President addressed the issue on Monday, April 13, 2026. (READ: Me, sick? Come to the gym with me, Marcos challenges opponents )
“I challenge anyone who says I’m sick to come to the gym and I’ll see who’s stronger. Come to the gym with me.” Let’s see who can lift the weight with strength (We will see who can lift more weight),” Marcos said during an impromptu press conference in Malacañang.
The remarks came after weeks of unverified online posts claiming the President had been very sick or was he diedwhich Malacañang has denied. Marcos used the briefing to directly deny the rumours, saying that he remains in “very good health” and even showed off a workout during the engagement to show off his condition.
He also referred to being hospitalized in January 2026 when he was diagnosed with the disease diverticulitisexplaining that he has recovered. – Marjuice Destinado/Rappler.com
Marjuice Destinado is a political science major at Cebu Normal University (CNU). Aries Rufo Journalism Fellowship of Rappler for 2025.
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