Finance Secretary Provides Health Update on President Marcos Jr. After Diverticulitis Observation
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto offered reassuring words regarding the health condition of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during a press interview held at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The President had recently been under medical observation due to a case of diverticulitis, a common digestive condition affecting the colon.
Recto Details President's Recovery and Dietary Adjustments
In his statement to reporters, Secretary Recto confirmed that President Marcos is now doing well and has returned to managing his official responsibilities. He explained that the President experienced some weight loss as a direct result of following his doctors' orders to consume a soft-food diet for several days as part of his recovery protocol.
"The President is already in good condition... He has a lot of work right now, especially paperwork, many documents need to be signed and read. His doctors said he should rest for one week," Recto stated. He humorously added, "It looks like he lost weight. I think if all of you ate soup for three, four, five days, you would really lose weight too."
President Continues Duties Despite Medical Advice
Originally scheduled to attend the Philippine National Police Day 2026 celebrations, President Marcos was represented at the event by Secretary Recto. However, the President has been actively engaged in governmental affairs from his recovery location.
Malacañang released a video on Wednesday, January 28, showing President Marcos playing with the family dog Oreo, which helped dispel circulating rumors that he had undergone surgery. In the video, President Marcos shared that his medical team advised him to avoid overexertion and to gradually resume his normal activities.
"I was just given some medicines and I'm continuing with my antibiotics. But I'm okay now. In fact, we already had an EDC (Economic and Development Council) meeting last Monday with most of the Cabinet," the President revealed. He continued, "So I'm back in. But my doctors are somewhat upset with me because they said not to work yet. I told them I can't just wait and put everything on hold. So I just continued."
Addressing Viral Documents and False Information
Secretary Recto indicated there is a strong possibility that President Marcos will issue an order to investigate the source of documents circulating online that falsely detail his health condition. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has officially confirmed that these viral documents are completely fabricated and contain no factual information about the President's actual medical status.
This health update comes as the administration continues to address important national matters while ensuring transparency about the President's wellbeing. The medical team's recommendation for a week of rest underscores the importance of balancing recovery with the demands of presidential responsibilities during this period.
