Malacañang on Wednesday clarified that there is no need for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to release a medical bulletin, stressing that his diagnosis of diverticulitis—an inflammation of small pouches in the colon—is not life-threatening.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro told reporters that medical bulletins are typically issued only for serious illnesses.
She added that the Palace has been regularly updating the public on the President’s health.
“Sa ating pagkakaalam po, kapag naglabas ng medical bulletin, dapat serious illness. Kung sinabi ng Pangulo na hindi ito life-threatening, so bakit kakailanganin ang medical bulletin?” Castro said.
(As far as we know, a medical bulletin is released only in cases of serious illness. If the President has said that his condition is not life-threatening, why would a medical bulletin be necessary)
She also warned the public against believing unverified reports circulating online, including claims that Marcos’ condition had “severely deteriorated due to drug use.”
“Kung unknown ang source niyan, so malamang gumagawa ng kuwento iyan. So, huwag natin masyadong paniwalaan ang mga kumakalat sa social media ng hindi verified at walang ibang source, ”she said.
(If the source is unknown, it is likely fabricated. We should not easily believe information on social media that is unverified and lacks credible sources)
Despite his doctor’s advice to rest, Castro said the President continues to attend events and hold private meetings.
“Pinapa-relax muna ang Pangulo pero sabi po natin, umattend po siya ng activity ngayon, nagkakaroon siya ng private meetings. So, umiigi po ang kalusugan ng Pangulo,” she said.
(The President was advised to relax, but as we mentioned, he attended an activity today and continues to hold private meetings. His health is improving)
Acting Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez added that Marcos may delegate Cabinet “alter egos” to attend other public engagements while focusing on critical presidential duties.
