I’m running the government – Marcos

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MANILA, Philippines — As rumors swirl about his health condition, President Marcos has assured the nation that he remains in control of the government and that his administration continues to carry out the tasks it is supposed to do.

A visibly thinner Marcos was seen in a video released by Palace press officer Claire Castro that was meant to dispel claims that the condition of the President, who has been diagnosed with diverticulitis, has worsened.

The eight-minute video, which was sent to reporters Wednesday night, showed the 68-year-old President playing with his dog Oreo and gamely answering questions by Castro.

“I’m running the government. We’re doing everything that needs to be done. The work of the government did not stop,” Marcos said.

“Don’t worry. I told you that last week. To those waiting for me to die, do not be excited. You became too excited. I am still here,” he added.

Marcos explained his weight loss, saying he was advised by his doctor to avoid solid food to remove stress from his intestines.

“I lost weight because I just had soup for three days,” he said, adding that he even dreamt of eating a steak while he was not yet allowed to do so.

Marcos said he no longer feels pain, but his doctors still recommended that he slow down a bit on his work.

“When they told me to rest, I got bored during the weekend. I said I have to do something, so I read all my (briefers). I am now up-to-date,” he said. “I was supposed to take a rest, but I cannot do it. I have a lot of things to do.”

Before the release of the video, a medical bulletin supposedly detailing Marcos’ condition circulated, but St. Luke’s Medical Center, where Marcos was placed under observation, clarified that it was “fake and falsified.”

“St. Luke’s Medical Center strictly upholds patient confidentiality and data privacy. Medical results are released only to the patient himself/herself through authorized and official hospital channels,” it said.

The Presidential Communications Office said the deliberate spread of falsified medical information is irresponsible, deceptive and a clear violation of the President’s right to privacy.

“Appropriate legal options are being reviewed in connection with the circulation of fabricated documents and false information,” it said in a statement.

Castro said law enforcement agencies should investigate to determine who is spreading false information about the President’s health.

“It should be investigated because the health of the President should not be turned into a joke. We know that the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) acts swiftly,” she added.

The NBI has started investigation of the fake medical report even before this was referred to the agency.

Soon back to normal

President Marcos is expected to resume his normal activities next week as he continues to recover from diverticulitis, which is characterized by severe pain in the stomach, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said yesterday.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Philippine National Police Day at Camp Crame, Recto said Marcos is doing well and is busy with paperwork.

“Maraming kailangan pirmahan, maraming kailangan basahin (There’s lot to sign, lot to read),” Recto said.

Recto answered in the affirmative when asked if Marcos will resume his normal work routine next week.

According to Recto, Marcos is following the advice of his doctors to rest for one week before returning to his normal activities as he has visibly lost weight after going on a soft diet.

“Kung kayo ay kumain lang sabaw ng tatlo, apat, limang araw ay talagang papayat ka (Try having only soup three, four, five times a day and see if you don’t lose weight),” Recto said.

Even while he is recovering from his illness, Recto said Marcos is aware of the issues in the country, including the impeachment complaints filed against him at the House of Representatives.

Despite efforts by critics to oust him, Recto said Marcos is focused on his goals to improve government services for the people.

Meanwhile, House Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo P. Ortega V said there was nothing more to clarify after St. Luke’s Medical Center categorically denied the authenticity of alleged result of medical test on Marcos, circulating in social media.

Ortega, a stalwart of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, stressed that the issue was not about health, but about the deliberate spread of false information.

“An independent medical institution has already confirmed the documents are fake. We respect and rely on that statement,” he said.

In an advisory dated Jan. 28, St. Luke’s Medical Center said it was aware of the circulation of fake medical test on Marcos and categorically rejected its authenticity.

“St. Luke’s Medical Center is aware of medical test results falsely circulating online and on social media claiming to pertain to President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. These documents are FAKE and FALSIFIED,” the hospital said.

“Any medical results or documents obtained, posted, shared, or circulated outside these authorized channels are considered unauthorized, fraudulent, or falsified,” it said adding that such acts constitute “a breach of data privacy and is a violation of hospital policy and applicable laws.”

Ortega emphasized that the denial did not come from Malacañang but from St. Luke’s itself, underscoring that the matter had already been settled.

The La Union House leader also warned against attempts to pressure public officials into disclosing private health information, noting that patient confidentiality is protected by law and hospital policy.

“The President respects patient confidentiality and data privacy. That principle applies to everyone. No one should be pushed into violating privacy laws just to feed rumors,” Ortega said.

Ortega echoed the hospital’s call for caution, urging the public to be responsible in sharing information online.

“Fake documents do not deserve airtime. Spreading falsified material is irresponsible and only undermines public discourse,” Ortega said.

He said the President remains focused on governance, adding that the controversy should end with the hospital’s categorical denial. “There is nothing further to clarify beyond that,” Ortega said.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.  said he has directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group to mobilize a team that will investigate the matter and coordinate with other agencies.

“This is really disrespectful, insensitive and gross violation of the law,” Nartatez said in a statement.

Among the personalities who posted the fake medical bulletin is former broadcaster Jay Sonza.

Nartatez said that while the PNP respects the people’s right to express themselves, manufacture and circulation of fake documents targeting any person is not only malicious but is also a violation of the law. “We are certain that this kind of action is not part of that freedom,” he said. — Jose Rodel Clapano, Emmanuel Tupas, Rhodina Villanueva, Mark Ernest Villeza