Cocaine and heart disease caused Filipino businessman Paolo Tantoco’s death, LA coroner confirms

Manila: The cause of death of Filipino businessman Paolo Tantoco has been officially declared by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner: “cocaine effects” and “probable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.”

Tantoco, 44, a key executive in the Tantoco family’s business empire, was found unresponsive in his room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 8, 2025. 

According to public coroner’s records, his death was ruled accidental, with cocaine use listed as the "primary cause", and heart disease cited as a significant contributing factor.

Initial suspicions

Initial suspicions of a drug overdose were confirmed by toxicology and medical findings. Local media reported about Tantoco's death in March.

There were no signs of foul play involved, and the findings were based on medical and toxicology examinations.

The case has since been closed by US authorities.

Tantoco held several leadership roles in the Philippines’ luxury retail and real estate sectors. He served as Assistant Vice President at Rustan Commercial Corporation — founded by his grandparents — as well as COO of Pacific Links Golf Development Inc and Chief Security and Procurement Officer at Sta. Elena Golf and Country Estate. 

He was widely credited for operational leadership in the family’s high-end ventures.

Doctored police report

The Beverly Hills police report, however, has become the centre of controversy after a falsified version appeared online, falsely naming First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos among those allegedly questioned by police.

ABS-CBN News on Tuesday obtained a verified copy of the original police blotter from the Beverly Hills Police Department (BHPD), which detailed the emergency response to Tantoco’s hotel room at the Beverly Hilton on March 8, 2025. 

The report, as shared by The Philippine Post reporter Xenia Tupas, noted that police were dispatched after receiving reports that Tantoco was "unresponsive". 

Upon arrival, officers saw hotel security performing chest compressions. Police then administered further life-saving efforts before Tantoco was pronounced dead at 12:05 p.m. 

The official summary ended there, with no mention of companions or cause of death.

Viral Facebook post

However, a viral Facebook post circulated what appeared to be an altered version of the same document.

The doctored version included the line: “Companions of the victim were summoned to BHPD for questioning, which were Dinah Arroyo Tantoco, Liza Araneta Marcos, and Alexa Miro.”

It also added: “The cause is initially suspected to be drug overdose. White powder suspected to be cocaine was seen scattered on tables and the floor.”

None of these statements appear in the original police report. 

The cause of death was formally determined in a separate medical examiner’s report, which listed the primary cause as “cocaine effects” and a contributing factor as heart disease.

That finding was released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner and classified the death as accidental. 

A side-by-side composite image comparing the original and altered versions of the blotter has since been widely circulated, raising alarm over the deliberate insertion of false details.

News5 reported that presidential sister Senator Imee Marcos has urged Malacañang, Manila's seat of power, to prepare a comprehensive report regarding Tantoco’s death.

It's not immediately clear if Imee based her statement on the altered version.

In response, Malacañang issued a statement Tuesday condemning the spread of what it called a “fake” US police report, and said it is considering legal action against those responsible for fabricating and disseminating the document.

“The First Lady was attending a formal event at the time of Mr. Tantoco’s death and was not part of his entourage,” said Presidential Press Officer Claire Castro.

The Palace stressed that the only valid documentation comes from official US law enforcement and medical authorities, and warned the public against sharing disinformation that could “maliciously harm reputations.”

Castro also denounced what she described as a deliberate and disgraceful effort by "obstructionists" to exploit Tantoco’s death in a bid to discredit the Marcos administration.

Condolences

Tantoco’s passing drew condolences from business circles and long-time partners in the Philippine luxury and development industries.

His family, through public statements, expressed “devastation” and sorrow over the sudden loss, requesting prayers and privacy. 

Parents Rico and Nena Tantoco, as well as other relatives and friends, posted tributes and condolences, highlighting Paolo’s good character, love for family, and business contributions.

Friends and business associates described him as “lovable” and positive, underscoring his dedication to family and work.

The family confirmed asked for an end to speculation, citing respect for Paolo’s memory.