FACT-CHECK: YouTube video misleads public on impeachment process

admin 7:19 PM
CLAIM: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was removed from office by an impeachment complaint signed by his sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, and Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.
 
RATING: FALSE

 

A YouTube account falsely claimed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was removed from office simply by an impeachment complaint signed by his sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, and Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.

Flagged content: YouTube account “NEWS UPDATE FILES” uploaded the video in question on Dec. 13, 2025.

  • The caption of the video reads, “HETO NA! FINALLY! MARC0S JR SE-BAK NA! NASAMP0LAN NI IMME AT MARC0LETA!  DESURB K!NARMA NA! (sic)” (This is it! Finally! Marcos Jr. ousted! Singled out by Imee and Marcoleta! He deserves it! It’s karma!”)
  • The overlay text in the thumbnail reads, “SAWAKAS! SEBAK NA! IMPE4CHMENT PINIRMAHAN NA! CONFIRMED NA! MARCOS JR! (sic)” (“Finally! Ousted! Impeachment complaint already signed! Confirmed! Marcos Jr!”)

Our debunk: In the Philippines, senators cannot initiate an impeachment case. The impeachment complaint must originate from the House, and senators serve as judges in the impeachment court.

  • According to the Rules of Procedure in Impeachment Proceedings, Rule II, a verified complaint can only be filed by any member of the House of Representatives, by any citizen upon a resolution of endorsement by any member, or by at least one-third of all members of the House. 
  • Rule IV, Section 13 states that after the filing of the verified complaint or resolution by at least one-third of the House, constituting the articles of impeachment, this shall be endorsed to the Senate for the trial.
  • The trial shall be conducted and concluded by the Senate, with the impeachment conviction requiring the vote of at least two-thirds of the members.

Why we fact-checked this: On Jan. 19, lawyer Andre de Jesus and Pusong Pinoy Partylist Rep. Jernie Jett Nisay submitted an impeachment complaint to the House of Representatives. 

  • Many accounts falsely claimed that senators can initiate impeachment against the president.
  • As of the time of writing, the video has garnered 16,470 views, 1,700 likes, and 76 comments.
  • The YouTube account “NEWS UPDATE FILES” has 38,400 subscribers.

Spot the fake: Be cautious of social media or video-sharing accounts that create false narratives using the names of politicians, especially those who are directly or indirectly involved in national issues. 

  • To avoid falling for false breaking news, always verify information by checking the official websites and social media accounts of government offices, public officials, or the personalities involved. 
  • This piece of news-cycle disinformation can mislead the public regarding political processes. Jessica Mae Galicto & Dhayshel Tinoy


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