Malacañang has categorically denied the existence of a supposed memorandum allegedly instructing a leadership change in the House of Representatives, branding it as fake news meant to sow confusion and distrust within the administration.

The alleged memo, dated April 15, 2025 and falsely attributed to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, claims the administration must initiate steps to counter the reported decline in President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s approval and trust ratings following the March 11 arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. It also suggested that Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco would be positioned to replace House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro downplayed the document’s credibility, warning the public against falling for fabricated materials that aim to mislead. She underscored the growing prevalence of fake news and urged vigilance.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin also issued a formal denial, stating that his office never released such a memorandum. He emphasized that the so-called document was a fabrication intended to cause political division and discredit the administration’s unity.

In a separate but related development, the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party formally requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to launch a probe into another forged document dubbed “Oplan Horus.” The document, which falsely bears the signature of House Majority Leader and Lakas-CMD Executive Vice President Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe, allegedly outlines a plot tied to internal party strategies.

In a letter to NBI Director Atty. Jaime Santiago dated April 23, Lakas-CMD Executive Director Anna Capella Velasco described the document as “malicious and falsified,” raising concerns over its potential impact on party unity and public perception.

Both the Palace and the Lakas-CMD party called on the authorities to identify and hold accountable the individuals responsible for the creation and circulation of these fake documents, which they view as attempts to destabilize political institutions ahead of the 2025 elections.

The PNP and NBI are expected to coordinate closely in tracing the origin of the forgeries and identifying those involved in the disinformation campaign.