Executive Secretary Recto Provides Update on President Marcos Jr.'s Health Condition
In a media interview held at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Thursday, January 29, 2026, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto offered reassuring details about the health status of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The President had been under medical observation recently due to a case of diverticulitis, but Recto emphasized that he is now in good health and actively managing his duties.
President's Recovery and Workload Amid Medical Advice
Recto explained that President Marcos Jr. has experienced some weight loss as a result of following a soft diet prescribed by his doctors for several days. "Maayos naman ang Presidente… Maraming trabaho ngayon yon especially sa paper work, maraming kailangan pirmahan, basahin. Ang sabi ng kanyang mga doctor magpahinga ng isang linggo," Recto stated, translating to the President being fine but busy with paperwork requiring signatures and reading, alongside doctor's orders for a week of rest.
He humorously noted the weight change, saying, "Looks like (pumayat siya) palagay ko naman kung kayong lahat ay kumain ng sabaw ng tatlo, apat, limang araw ay talagang papayat ka," implying that anyone on a broth-based diet for days would similarly slim down. Due to his condition, Marcos Jr. was unable to attend the Philippine National Police Day 2026 event, with Recto representing him instead.
Malacañang's Response to Rumors and Fake Documents
Amid circulating rumors, Malacañang released a video on Wednesday, January 28, showing President Marcos Jr. playing with the family dog Oreo, countering claims of surgery. In the video, the President mentioned continuing antibiotics and medication, and highlighted his participation in an Economic and Development Council meeting with most Cabinet members on Monday. "So I'm back in. Pero medyo nagtatampo sa akin yung mga doktor ko kasi sabi nila huwag muna. Sabi ko hindi ko naman pwede pag-antayin muna lahat ng nangyayari. So tinuloy ko na lang," he added, indicating his return to work despite doctors' initial reservations.
Recto further disclosed that the President is likely to order an investigation into the online spread of documents falsely pertaining to his medical condition. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) strongly denounced the viral document as "fake", clarifying it did not originate from any legitimate medical examination and does not reflect the President's actual health. "The President is well, fully capable of discharging his official responsibilities, and continues to actively perform his duties," the PCO affirmed.
The PCO criticized the dissemination as irresponsible and deceptive, violating privacy rights and undermining public trust, with legal options under review. St. Luke's Medical Center, allegedly linked to the records, also denied issuing them, stressing its commitment to patient confidentiality and data privacy.
