Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang dismissed speculation about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s health, saying he was well despite skipping an event with returning overseas Filipino workers.
“Definitely,” Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said on Monday, April 6, when asked if the president was in good health.
She said the president’s scheduled afternoon oath-taking for officers of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines was proof he is fit to work.
There was an online buzz on Marcos’ condition at the weekend, with some social media posts raising doubts after First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos posted an Easter message using what critics pointed out was an old family photo.
There was more speculation after Marcos failed to attend a Department of Migrant Workers event in Quezon City.
Castro cautioned the public against unverified social media posts over established news organizations.
“So perhaps mainstream media should prevail over social media that has no basis, so let us not believe it too much,” Castro said. “There is so much fake news. I am even a victim of fake news.”
She did not give a reason for Marcos’ absence from the OFW event, and only said that he is well.
In January, Marcos said he was diagnosed with diverticulitis, an inflammation of pouches in the colon. He later said the condition was not life-threatening and assured the public he remained capable of performing his duty.
