Old Philippine Flag Photo Misused to Spread False Rumors About Marcos Jr.’s Health
The Claim
In mid-April 2026, a viral image began circulating across Facebook[1] and other social media platforms,[2] claiming that the Philippine flag at Malacañang Palace had been lowered to half-mast, allegedly signaling the death or serious illness of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
One widely shared Tagalog-language post (April 12, 2026) questioned:
“Why is the flag of the Republic of the Philippines at Malacañang Palace currently at half-mast?”
The post, shared by a former broadcaster, implied that authorities were concealing critical information and suggested that an “official” may have passed away. The claim quickly gained traction, particularly as speculation about Marcos Jr.’s health intensified after he missed a public event on April 6 involving overseas Filipino workers.
The image shows a flag flying at half-mast in front of a government building, a symbol traditionally associated with mourning or the death of a high-ranking official. Given the political sensitivity and timing, many users interpreted the photo as evidence of a developing national crisis.
What CyberPoe Verified
A reverse image search of the viral photo reveals that it predates the current rumors by several years.
The same image was published on August 1, 2022,[1] by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) the country’s state-run news outlet. The photo was part of a set documenting flags lowered to half-mast across Malacañang Palace.
According to the official caption, the flags were lowered to honor former President Fidel V. Ramos, who passed away on July 31, 2022, at the age of 94.[1]
The images were credited to photographers from the News and Information Bureau (NIB)[2] under the Presidential Communications Office. Further verification confirms that the specific photo circulating online was taken at the Kalayaan Grounds within the Malacañang complex.
This establishes that the image has no connection to current events in 2026.
Official Clarifications
Philippine authorities have also directly addressed the rumors.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the viral image is an old photograph, dismissing claims linking it to President Marcos Jr.’s health.
She stated that speculation about the president being seriously ill is “definitely disinformation.”
Additionally, while Marcos Jr. did miss one public engagement on April 6, verified footage shows that he attended other events later the same day inside Malacañang Palace, contradicting claims of incapacitation or death.
Context Behind the Misinformation
The false claim emerged during a period of heightened political tension in the Philippines.
At the time, public discourse was already charged due to ongoing impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte, which added a layer of राजनीतिक speculation to unrelated developments.
In such environments, symbolic imagery like a flag at half-mast can easily be weaponized, especially when paired with incomplete or misleading context.
The situation reflects a broader pattern in misinformation ecosystems, where archival images are recycled to support current narratives, particularly during moments of uncertainty or political sensitivity.
CyberPoe Verdict ❌
False / Old image shared with misleading context.
The viral photo does not show a recent event at Malacañang Palace and is unrelated to President Marcos Jr.’s health.
It is an August 2022 image published by the Philippine News Agency, showing flags lowered to mourn former President Fidel V. Ramos.
There is no credible evidence that the Philippine president has died or is seriously ill. The claim is a clear case of misinformation driven by misused imagery and speculation.
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