Imee wants Malacañang to clarify First Lady’s 'involvement' in Tantoco’s death

Senator Imee Marcos on Monday called on Malacañang to clarify the alleged involvement of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos in the death of Rustan Commercial Corporation (RCC) executive Paolo “Paowee” Tantoco, who died in March reportedly due to cocaine use in Los Angeles, California.

In a strongly worded statement, Senator Marcos cited “troubling” reports circulating online that link the First Lady to the circumstances surrounding Tantoco’s death on March 8, 2025.

“Some reports further suggest that Mr. Tantoco was ‘apparently’ part of the entourage of the First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos who was in Los Angeles at that time to promote the Manila International Film Festival,” she said.

“More troubling are claims circulating online that the First Lady may have personal knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Tantoco’s death—with some alleging that she was present at the scene either shortly before, during, or immediately after the incident,” she added.

Citing the gravity of allegations, Senator Marcos urged the administration of her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to issue a comprehensive report on the matter, including the whereabouts of her sister-in-law during the time of the incident.

“Given the gravity of these allegations and the matter’s undeniable public interest, I urge Malacañang to issue a comprehensive report on the circumstances of Mr. Tantoco’s death, including any involvement---direct or indirect—of the First Lady or other Philippine government officials,” the lawmaker said.

“I also call for the clarification of the First Lady’s whereabouts at the relevant time, as may be reflected in official records such as the Medical Examiner’s Report, to dispel further speculation,” she added.

Over the weekend, the Los Angeles (LA) County Medical Examiner confirmed Tantoco died from cocaine use, four months after his lifeless body was found in his hotel room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Based on the publicized report, Tantoco’s manner of death was classified as accidental, with the primary cause listed as “cocaine effects” and “probable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.”

Tantoco, 44, was found dead on March 8, 2025, a day after attending the Manila International Film Festival as part of the First Lady’s entourage, which was held from March 4 to 7.

The DAILY TRIBUNE has sought comments from Malacañang in regarding the issue but it has yet to make a statement as of press time.