MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. moved swiftly to quell public concern over his recent hospital visit, assuring Filipinos that he has recovered from diverticulitis and remains fully capable of performing his duties as chief executive.
In a recorded video message released a day after he was brought to St. Luke’s Medical Center, Marcos said his condition had significantly improved following treatment and stressed that the illness was not serious.
“I’m fine. I’m feeling very different from the way I was feeling before. Naayos na ang problema,” the President said.
Marcos revealed that doctors diagnosed him with diverticulitis, a digestive condition that occurs when small pouches in the lining of the colon become inflamed or infected.
He noted that the condition is relatively common, especially among people experiencing heavy stress or advancing in age.
“It’s a common complaint among people who are heavily stressed and people who are – I have to admit – growing old,” he said.
While acknowledging that his doctors advised him to slow down, Marcos admitted that the demands of the presidency make it difficult to ease his workload.
“Of course, lagi naman sinasabi ng doktor sa akin. Pero paano mo naman gagawin? Ang dami talagang trabaho,” he added.
The President also directly addressed online rumors that circulated following news of his hospital visit, dismissing exaggerated claims about his health.
“Huwag muna kayong masyadong ma-excited dahil it’s not a life-threatening condition,” Marcos said. “Wala kayong dapat ipag-alala. The rumors of my death are highly exaggerated.”/PN
