President Marcos on health: Nothing serious

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos appeared in another video yesterday, where he gave the public an update about his “good” health condition after being diagnosed with diverticulitis.

In a vlog posted on his social media accounts, a visibly thinner Marcos said he is still recovering from the illness, which is characterized by severe pain in the stomach.

“But the doctors’ assessment was good, nothing serious. I just need to build up strength,” he said.

Marcos said he lost weight as he was restricted to a soft diet for a few days.

“I’ve lost weight as I was only allowed to have soup for a few days,” the 68-year-old President said.

“That’s fine and it’s like I’m on a diet,” he said in jest.

Diverticulitis is an inflammation in the large intestine that causes abdominal pain.

In a video shared by Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro to Palace reporters last Wednesday, Marcos assured Filipinos that he remains in control of the government.

“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,” Marcos said during an interview with Castro.

Marcos is expected to resume his normal activities this week, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said.

NBI may probe vlogger

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it was investigating the spread of a fake medical record of President Marcos and may summon vlogger Jack Argota in connection with the incident.

In an interview on Bilyonaryo channel, acting NBI Director Angelito Magno said the probe covered individuals who circulated the false information.

“This has become a national concern and a matter of national security. It is correct that people have a right to know the public health of the President, but that does not give anyone permission to release anything and spread fake news,” he said.

Argota earlier released an alleged medical record of Marcos bearing the name and logo of St. Luke’s Medical Center, which the hospital later denied as authentic.

Magno said the NBI was also identifying others who shared the fake document and did not rule out issuing subpoenas.

“What we may do is summon or subpoena them so we can hear their side,” he said, referring to vloggers involved in the ruse.

He added that the law penalizes malicious and defamatory statements.

“If a post or statement is malicious, defamatory, and can damage a person’s reputation, that is libelous. If it is done using the internet or cyberspace, it becomes cyberlibel, which is punishable by law,” Magno said. — Mark Ernest Villeza