MANILA – Malacañang urged the public and political figures to act with care and respect in discussing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s recent illness, following comments made by his sister, Sen. Imee Marcos.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President’s health situation should not be used for humor, spectacle, or political maneuvering, stressing that a person recovering from illness deserves sincere concern.
“Huwag natin gawing biro ang kalusugan ng Pangulo. Huwag maging komedyante o payaso sa pagbibigay ng payo,” Castro said.
She added that what matters most during a health scare is honesty and empathy, not public posturing.
“Totoong puso at pagkalinga ang kailangan ng isang tao na may pinagdaanang karamdaman. Huwag magpakaplastik sa mata ng nakararami,” Castro said.
The Palace statement came after Senator Marcos suggested that the President’s illness was the result of neglect by people around him, accusing those in Malacañang of prioritizing personal interests over his well-being.
President Marcos has since addressed the issue, saying the condition that caused him discomfort Wednesday night was not serious.
Doctors diagnosed him with diverticulitis, a gastrointestinal illness involving inflammation in the colon that is more common among older adults or those under significant stress.
Malacañang said the President was briefly placed under medical observation but has already resumed work. He returned to the Palace on Thursday, and officials said his condition remains stable as he continues to perform his duties./PN
