President Marcos back at work after health scare

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January 24, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos continued working in Malacañang after being hospitalized on Wednesday night for diverticulitis.

Marcos was scheduled to visit his home province of Ilocos Norte yesterday for the inauguration of the Laoag International Airport Passenger Terminal Building and the launching of the PBBM-GABAY ng Bayan Programs.

The President was represented by his son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, at the launch of the PBBM-GABAY ng Bayan Programs.

Asked about Marcos’ schedule, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez and PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said in separate messages that Marcos had private meetings inside the Palace.

On Thursday, the 68-year-old President disclosed that he has diverticulitis, which he described as “a common complaint” of people who are “heavily stressed” and are growing old.

Malacañang confirmed on Thursday that Marcos was brought to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City on Wednesday night after experiencing “discomfort,” but returned to the Palace a few hours later. 

“His doctors advised rest and monitoring and his condition remains stable,” Castro said at a press briefing on Thursday. 

In a video message shared by Castro with Palace reporters on Thursday, the President said his doctors are advising him to slow down, but noted that he has work to do.

“I’m fine. I’m feeling very, very different from the way I was feeling before. The problem has been fixed,” Marcos said. 

Asked by Castro for a message to his critics who want him out, Marcos said: “Don’t be too excited because this is not a life-threatening condition.”