Marcos after ailment: Don’t get too excited

Those wanting him out told: It’s non-life threatening

MANILA, Philippines —  President Marcos was brought to hospital Wednesday night after experiencing “discomfort,” but returned to work a few hours later, even teasing his critics who want him out not to get “too excited” because his condition is not serious.

Speaking at a Palace press briefing yesterday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos had spent the night under medical observation at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City as a “precautionary measure.”

“His doctors advised rest and monitoring and his condition remains stable,” the Palace press officer said.

“The President continued to carry out his responsibilities while under medical observation and has returned to Malacañang,” she added.

In a video released by the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos disclosed that he has diverticulitis, which he described as “a common complaint” of people who are “heavily stressed” and who are growing old.

Despite his health issue, Marcos appeared to be in good spirits in the video, even teasing those who wanted him out of the presidency.

“Don’t be too excited because this is not a life threatening condition,” the 68-year-old President said.

“Don’t worry. The rumors of my death are highly exaggerated.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, diverticulitis is the inflammation of irregular bulging pouches in the wall of the large intestine. The clinic said diverticula are common after age 50 and are usually found in the lower part of the colon. One of the common symptoms of diverticulitis is pain in the abdomen, it added.

Marcos said 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.

Although Malacañang claimed that Marcos is “in good condition,” he has skipped two events since undergoing medical observation.

Marcos was represented by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto during the awarding ceremony for The Outstanding Young Men 2025 yesterday at Malacañang.

His attendance at the inauguration of the Laoag International Airport Passenger Terminal Building and the launch of a local project in Ilocos Norte today was also canceled. The President, however, attended private meetings yesterday.

Castro said Marcos may have experienced fatigue because he was still working early in the morning yesterday.

“But since the doctor said he is in good health, he is now at Malacañang,” she said.