Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said he is now in stable condition and remains fit to perform his duties, despite his doctors' advice to rest following a diverticulitis diagnosis.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Wednesday night released a video update on Marcos' health. In the video, Marcos said he is taking prescribed antibiotics and medication to treat diverticulitis, an inflammation of small pouches in the colon. "Okay na ako (I'm okay now)," Marcos said. "Thank you for your concern but I said, I got the best possible medical care that you can have. That's why I'm already back in harness," he added.
Marcos returned to work on Monday, presiding over the 7th Economic and Development Council meeting at Malaca±an for over two hours to discuss major government projects awaiting approval. He noted that his condition is improving and that he can now eat solid food after a brief period of dietary restrictions to ease his stomach. Marcos thanked the public for their well wishes and assured that government operations continue without disruption.
"In fact, noong sinasabing magpahinga ka, medyo na-bore ako noong weekend. I have to do something. So, binasa ko na lang lahat ng brief ko (when I was told to rest, I got a little bored over the weekend. I had to do something, so I just read all my briefers)," he said. "Nandito pa ako. The government is doing everything that needs to be done. Walang patid ang trabaho ng gobyerno (I am still here. The government is doing everything that needs to be done. Government work continues without interruption)." In the video shared to Palace reporters, Marcos was even seen playing with his dog, Oreo.
Meanwhile, the PCO condemned the circulation of what it described as 'fabricated and malicious' claims regarding the President's health, including a fake medical document shared online. The PCO said Malaca±ang is reviewing legal options following the circulation of fabricated documents and false information. "It did not originate from any legitimate medical examination of the President and does not reflect his current health condition. The President is well, fully capable of discharging his official responsibilities, and continues to actively perform his duties," the PCO said.
"The deliberate spread of falsified medical information is irresponsible, deceptive, and a clear violation of the President's right to privacy. It unnecessarily alarms the public and undermines trust in institutions," it added. The PCO urged the public to rely only on official statements from authorized government sources and to refrain from amplifying unverified and malicious content.
