After detractors alleged that a recently uploaded photo of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos was digitally altered, we decided to put the claims to the test—by asking artificial intelligence to do a close, objective analysis of the image in question. The result? No evidence of editing.
The photo, which sparked speculation on social media, was posted on the official Facebook page of the First Lady on Saturday, March 22, with the caption: “Regular meeting of the Asian Cultural Council; Pangarap Clubhouse, Malacañang Park, Manila | 21 March 2025.” In the image, Liza Marcos is seen seated at the head of a long table, wearing a powder blue dress, surrounded by guests in a sunlit dining area.
Amid whispers online that the image may have been manipulated, we consulted ChatGPT—an advanced AI system—for a technical breakdown. The analysis focused on key elements that would typically reveal signs of photo manipulation: lighting consistency, shadows, focus sharpness, edge clarity, and proportion.
The AI found no indicators of tampering. According to ChatGPT, the lighting on the First Lady matched the direction and intensity of the sunlight filtering through the windows; shadows on her arm and chair were consistent with the rest of the room. Her sharpness and resolution matched the people seated beside her, and her positioning and size were proportionate to the table and environment. In other words, everything checks out.
These findings echo the sentiments of Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro, who on Sunday slammed those spreading “fake news” about the image, challenging critics to provide verified evidence that could disprove the authenticity of the photo.
“Those who usually criticize are those who are not privy to any meeting. What can we expect from those who know nothing? Madaling magpretend na as if they know everything,” Castro said in a statement to Palace reporters.
She further called out vloggers and bloggers who fuel speculation, saying they should back their claims with credible proof instead of stirring baseless controversy. This isn’t the first time Castro has had to dispel rumors surrounding the First Lady. She previously debunked allegations that Liza Marcos had been held by U.S. law enforcers during her recent working trip abroad.
From March 5 to 8, the First Lady was in Miami, Florida and Los Angeles, California for the Meeting of the Minds and the Manila International Film Festival. She returned to the country in time to lead the awarding ceremony at Go Negosyo’s Women Summit 2025 on March 15, where she honored outstanding women entrepreneurs for their leadership and innovation.
