FACT CHECK: Senator Imee Marcos Remains in Office Despite Viral Misinformation

Senator Imee Marcos continues to serve as a member of the Philippine Senate, contrary to false claims circulating on social media that she was removed from office by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

A viral Facebook post published on November 30 claimed that the President had filed a case against his sister and removed her from the Senate. The post, which has garnered over 600 reactions and hundreds of comments, stated: "Nakakagulat na balita! Inalis si Imee Marcos sa Senado matapos siyang kasuhan ni PBBM."

Constitutional Facts Set Record Straight

Under the Philippine Constitution's principle of separation of powers, the President has no authority to remove or impeach any member of the Senate. Article VI, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution clearly states that only the Senate itself can discipline its members.

"Each House may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds of all its Members, suspend or expel a Member," the Constitution specifies.

Since no pending case or unfavorable decision exists against Senator Marcos in the Senate, she is expected to complete her current term, which expires on June 30, 2025.

Family Rift Fuels Misinformation

The false claims likely stem from the public political rift between the Marcos siblings, which intensified following the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11, 2025.

Senator Marcos, who had aligned herself with the Duterte political faction, withdrew from the President's senatorial slate in protest of the administration's implementation of the ICC warrant.

Tensions reached a peak on November 17, 2025, when Senator Marcos publicly accused the President of drug use during an Iglesia ni Cristo rally, saying: "Kaya kong mabigo at mawala sa 'yo ang posisyon pero hindi ko kayang mawala ka sa amin. Ayusin mo ang sarili mo. Magpagamot."

Presidential Response Shows Family Concern

President Marcos later addressed his sister's accusations with measured concern, stating: "For a while now, we've been very worried about my sister. The lady you see talking on TV is not my sister. I hope she feels better soon."

Despite their political differences, the constitutional process remains clear: Senator Imee Marcos retains her position and will continue serving until her term's natural conclusion, barring resignation, death, or a two-thirds Senate vote for expulsion.

This fact-check underscores the importance of verifying information through official channels, particularly regarding constitutional processes and government operations that affect our democratic institutions.