In a tragic turn of events following the Manila International Film Festival in Beverly Hills, Rustan’s Commercial Corporation executive Paolo “Paowee” Tantoco was found lifeless at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 8, 2025. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report released on July 9, the 44-year-old businessman died from the effects of cocaine, with the manner of death ruled as accidental
Tantoco had been in Los Angeles as part of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ entourage promoting the film festival. The coroner’s findings also noted a secondary condition—probable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease—which may have contributed to the fatal outcome.
Rustan’s Commercial Corporation executive Paolo Tantoco died last March of a cocaine overdose, according to findings released by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.
A report published on July 9 by Hollywood LA News cited information from the deputy medical examiner stating that Tantoco’s death was due to an accidental drug overdose, based on toxicology results.
