Malacañang Palace has firmly dismissed circulating reports claiming that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is scheduled to undergo surgery for diverticulitis, labeling such information as "fake news." In a recent press conference, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro addressed the rumors head-on, providing clarity on the President's current status and health.
Palace Official Denies Surgery Claims
During the briefing, Castro emphasized that there is no truth to the speculation about the President requiring surgical intervention. She stated, "Wala pong ganoong balita na maibibigay po tayo dahil ngayon po, ang Pangulo ay nasa meeting. So, iyan po ay fake news." This translates to: "There is no such information we can provide because, as of now, the President is in a meeting. So, that is fake news."
Confirmation of President's Activities
Castro further elaborated that President Marcos is actively presiding over a meeting at Malacañang, underscoring his engagement in official duties. She added, "'Yung pagmi-meeting po ngayon malamang po ay maipo-post po ito para maipakita natin na ang Pangulo po ay nasa maayos na kondisyon." This means: "The meeting he is attending now will likely be posted to show that the President is in good condition." This statement aims to reassure the public about his well-being and dispel any concerns raised by the false reports.
Background on President's Health
This development follows a recent health update from the President himself. Last week, Malacañang disclosed that Marcos spent a night under medical observation as a precautionary measure after experiencing some discomfort. In a video statement released on Thursday, January 22, President Marcos revealed he had been diagnosed with diverticulitis, a condition he described as very common among older individuals.
In his address, he assured the nation, "I'm fine. I'm feeling very different from the way I was feeling before. Naayos na 'yung problema." He explained, "What happened was apparently, I now have diverticulitis. It's a common complaint amongst people who are heavily stressed and people who are — I have to admit — growing old." This candid admission highlighted the routine nature of the condition and his current recovery.
Public Reassurance and Transparency
The Palace's swift response to the fake news underscores its commitment to transparency and maintaining public trust. By confirming the President's active participation in meetings and planning to share updates, officials aim to prevent misinformation from spreading. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of combating false narratives in the digital age, especially concerning high-profile figures like the President.
As the situation evolves, Malacañang continues to monitor and address any unfounded claims, ensuring that accurate information prevails. The President's health remains a topic of national interest, and such clarifications are crucial for keeping the public informed and alleviating unnecessary alarm.
