President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. confirmed Thursday that he has been diagnosed with diverticulitis, a common intestinal condition, but emphasized that his health remains stable and there is no reason for concern.
In an interview with Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, Marcos said he is already feeling much better after receiving medical care.
“I’m fine. I’m feeling very different from the way I was feeling before. Naayos na ‘yung problema,” he said Thursday afternoon, January 22.
The President explained that doctors identified diverticulitis, which he described as often linked to stress and aging.
“What happened was I apparently, and I now have diverticulitis,” he said.
“It’s a common complaint amongst apparently people who are heavily stressed, and people are—I have to admit—growing old,” he added.
Castro noted that doctors had advised Marcos to slow down due to overwork, a reminder the President acknowledged with humor.
“No. Well, yeah, of course, lagi naman sinasabi ng doktor sa akin yun. Pero papaano mo naman gagawin yun, ang daming trabaho?” he said.
Marcos stressed that his condition should not be misinterpreted or used to cast doubt on his ability to govern.
“Huwag kayo muna masyadong excited dahil it’s not a life-threatening condition,” he said.
When asked if the public should worry, the President responded directly.
“Wala. Huwag kayong mag-alala,” he said.
“The rumors of my death are highly exaggerated,” he added.
The Palace earlier explained that Marcos was placed under medical observation as a precaution after experiencing discomfort.
He continued to perform his duties during that period and has since returned to Malacañan, with doctors recommending rest and monitoring.