Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday dismissed rumors that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been diagnosed with colon cancer. In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro slammed the claim about Marcos' health, describing it as a blatant lie and a mere distraction.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro addressed the rumors following a post by former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who shared a photo suggesting that Marcos appeared to have a colostomy bag during a recent public engagement. Castro firmly denied this claim and labeled Roque a 'fake news peddler.'

'Nakita naman po natin ang video, iyong kabuuan kung saan itinaas pa po mismo ng Pangulo ang kanyang mga kamay habang siya ay kumakaway sa ating mga kababayan (We have seen the full video where the President himself even raised his hands while waving to our fellow citizens),' Castro stated. She reiterated that Roque's assertions were false, urging the public not to believe such claims.

Castro further appealed to the public: 'Huwag na po tayong maniwala at nakikiusap po tayo. Huwag na po natin dalhin sa anumang usapan ang mga fake news peddlers katulad nila (We appeal to everyone: Let us not believe this and let us not include fake news peddlers like them in any discussion).'

Recently, Marcos took a brief rest from public engagements and opted for private meetings after being diagnosed with diverticulitis, an inflammation of small pouches in the colon. He has since resumed his normal schedule, attending public events.