FACT CHECK: No report of Trump courtesy call on Sara; Marcos remains president

Claim: US President Donald Trump will make a courtesy call on Vice President Sara Duterte when he visits the Philippines next month, and Duterte will be the president by then. Rating: FALSE Why we fact-checked this: On October 22, Facebook user Rey Cano Salarda published a post that carries the claim. It is a text card on a green background that reads, “U. S PRES TRUMP WILL VISIT PHIL. NEXT MONTH COURTESY CALL TO VP SARA, SI VP SARA NA PALA ANG PRESIDENTE NEXT MONTH” (So VP Sara will already be President next month). As of writing, the post has 29,000 reactions, 2,200 comments, and 1,200 shares. The facts: There is no report, Palace statement, or White House announcement about a planned Trump courtesy call on Duterte. Trump’s planned visit will be for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, which is hosted by the Philippines.

Also, Duterte will most likely not be replacing Marcos as the president next month. Marcos remains in office, and he has not resigned or been removed. Under Article VII, Section 8 of the Constitution , the Vice President takes over only if the President dies, becomes permanently disabled, is removed, or resigns. The Palace has dismissed as “delusional” claims from Duterte’s camp that the Vice President is ready to replace Marcos. Duterte is currently on trial before the Senate impeachment court. The trial resumes on November 9, when her defense team begins presenting its evidence on the remaining unexplained wealth article. The trial may or may not lead to her conviction and removal from office, not elevate her. (READ: Dropping 3 impeachment articles vs Sara, who benefits? ) Trump’s visit: Malacañang confirmed on October 14 that Trump will attend the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Manila. Palace Press Officer Claire…