FL photo ‘not photoshopped’

Malacañang challenged vloggers and social media users on Sunday to provide evidence in support of their claim that a photo of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos had been edited or photoshopped.

“It is better to challenge these fake news vloggers/bloggers to show their own verified evidence that will counter that photo,” Palace Press Officer, Undersecretary Claire Castro, said in a message to reporters.

The photo was posted on the First Lady’s social media pages on Saturday.

In the photo, Mrs. Marcos was with the Asian Cultural Council members for a regular meeting at the Pangarap Clubhouse in Malacañang Park on Friday.

Netizens were quick to point out the lighting, the resolution of the photo, the alleged disappearance or non-inclusion of the First Lady’s seat, the figure of her left ear, and the height difference between Mrs. Marcos and her guests, considering that she appeared seated.

Castro also called out social media users who criticized the photo. “Those who usually criticize are those who are not privy to any meeting. What can we expect from those who know nothing?” she said.

“It’s easy to pretend as if they know everything,” she added.

The alleged photo manipulation came on the heels of reports that Mrs. Marcos was held at an airport in the United States by law enforcers.

Malacañang has clarified that the First Lady was not detained in the US over the demise of a young Filipino businessman, and that she has resumed her duties and attended engagements.

“There is no truth to the claim that the First Lady was held by law enforcers while in Los Angeles or in any other place,” Castro said in a statement issued on 13 March 2025.