Multiple Facebook (FB) pages and users are claiming the Supreme Court has received and was set to discuss a petition calling for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s resignation. This is false. No such petition exists.
Originally published on March 16, the now–defunct posts were reposted on the same day and on March 17, bearing the headline:
“16 Milyong Pirma para sa Pagbibitiw ni Pangulong Marcos, Tatalakayin na ng Korte Suprema
(16 Million Signatures for President Marcos’ Resignation, Now Up for Supreme Court Deliberation)”
Another user even republished a “soft copy” of the supposed petition attributed to the Office of the SC Spokesperson, with the title:
“Supreme Court Receives Petition on 16 Million Signatures Calling for President Marcos’ Resignation”
In a March 17 statement, the SC categorically denied the authenticity of the document shown in the spurious posts, which alleged that the office had confirmed receiving the fictitious petition.
The SC also said no En Banc session was scheduled to discuss the non-existent petition.
Likewise, no petition or related pleadings on a signature campaign urging Marcos to resign is found in the Public Pleadings page of the SC website.
The High Tribunal said it will investigate these acts of disinformation and “take necessary measures, including the imposition of proper sanctions on those responsible.”
The fraudulent posts emerged two days after former president Rodrigo Duterte made his initial appearance before the International Criminal Court to face charges of crimes against humanity over his administration’s drug war.
The first three versions of the fake posts, published by Choose Libungan—now inaccessible—amassed over 13,609 reactions, 3,630 comments, and 26,678 shares.
Other copies of the fake posts republished on FB collectively garnered 2,105 reactions, 734 comments, and 1,210 shares.
