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January 29, 2026 | 12:39pm
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. laughs in a conversation with Palace Press Officer Claire Castro about his health on Wednesday night, Jan. 28, 2026.
PCO / Philstar.com's screenshot
MANILA, Philippines — St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City has debunked a viral document purported to be President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s medical test results, clarifying that while his diverticulitis is real, the document is not.
The fake medical record circulated on Facebook on Wednesday, January 28, with multiple pages and users posting it alongside identical captions that claimed to explain its supposed findings.
The photo alleged that a whole-abdomen CT scan was performed on January 25, citing impressions such as atherosclerotic vascular disease and osteoporosis, alongside diverticulitis. Using the fabricated medical result, the online posts attempted to create the impression that Marcos is gravely ill.
Jay Sonza and Bobi Tiglao were among the social media personalities and political commentators who shared the photo, with Sonza using the document to call for an assessment on Marcos' fitness to lead.
Rating: This is fake.
Facts
St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City issued a statement late Wednesday night saying the circulating medical test results were "fake and falsified," adding that the hospital would not publicly release a patient's medical records as this would violate patient confidentiality and data privacy.
"Medical results are released only to the patient himself/herself through authorized and official hospital channels," the statement read.
"Any medical results or documents obtained, posted, shared, or circulated outside these authorized channels are considered unauthorized, fraudulent, or falsified," it added.
St. Luke's Medical Center also warned against sharing unverified and unofficial medical information, saying it contributes to the spread of false information and "exposes individuals to legal consequences."
The Presidential Communications Office also dismissed the viral document as fake, saying it does not come from a legitimate medical examination and does not reflect Marcos' current condition.
"The President is well, fully capable of performing his duties, and continues to actively discharge his official responsibilities," the agency said, dispelling rumors.
The PCO also released an eight-minute video yesterday showing Palace Press Officer Claire Castro visiting Marcos, who appeared in good spirits and playing with his dog "Oreo."
The president said he is recovering well after being advised by doctors to rest and will be continuing his work after missing a few events.
Why we fact-checked this
Marcos was rushed to St. Luke's Medical Center on January 21 for stomach pain. Since the Palace confirmed his diverticulitis diagnosis, viral posts have falsely suggested he is critically ill, unable to work, or even close to death.
On January 22, he issued a video statement saying his diverticulitis is not a life-threatening condition, as many posts are making it out to be.
"Do not worry. The rumors of my death are highly exaggerated," he said.
Diverticulitis is the inflammation of pouches in the large intestine and is common in middle-aged and older adults. It is usually treated with rest, diet changes, and antibiotics.
In a statement, the PCO also said it is reviewing legal options to counter the spread of the fabricated medical document falsely referring to the president's condition.
Many of the posts circulated in Facebook groups supporting former president Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte, generating hundreds to thousands of reactions, comments and shares.
