Metro Manila, Philippines – The Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) rejected claims that Palace reporters are paid or used to hide President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s true health condition, calling the allegations baseless and harmful to journalists’ credibility.
In a statement, the group of reporters accredited to cover presidential activities, rejected accusations circulating online that they are complicit in hiding the president’s condition.
“Mariing pinapalagan ng Malacañang Press Corps ang alegasyong kami ay nagpapagamit sa Malacañang o di kaya’y nabayaran para pagtakpan ang totoong estado ng kalusugan ng Pangulo,” the MPC said.
[Translation: The Malacañang Press Corps strongly rejects allegations that we are being used by the Palace or paid to cover up the true state of the president’s health.]
The group said the president’s health is a matter of national concern and has been the subject of questioning during official briefings.
“Batid namin na ang kalusugan ng Pangulo ay mahalagang aspekto ng ating pambansang seguridad,” it said.
[Translation: We recognize that the president’s health is an important aspect of national security.]
The MPC cited past reports and press briefings showing how its members have asked government officials about Marcos’ condition.
“Malinaw sa mga nakaraang ulat… kung paanong inusisa ng aming mga kasapi ang mga opisyal ng pamahalaan tungkol sa kalagayan ng Pangulo,” it said.
[Translation: It is clear from past reports how our members questioned government officials about the president’s condition.]
The group said its reports are based on verified information gathered through official sources or firsthand observation.
“Ang mga balitang inilabas namin ay may malinaw na basehan… aming ding bineberipika ang anumang impormasyon… bago namin ibahagi sa publiko,” it added.
[Translation: The reports we release have a clear basis… and we verify all information before sharing it with the public.]
The MPC also condemned attempts to undermine journalists and spread misinformation.
“Kinokondena rin namin ang garapal na mga pagtatangkang sirain ang kredibilidad ng mga mamamahayag at iligaw ang ating mga kababayan,” it said.
[Translation: We condemn blatant attempts to destroy the credibility of journalists and mislead the public.]
Without naming individuals, the group criticized content creators spreading unverified claims online.
“Hindi ito ginagawa ng mga content creator na ang tanging puhunan ay ang kanilang social media account… at kwestyonableng agenda,” it said.
[Translation: This is not how content creators operate, whose only capital is their social media account… and questionable agenda.]
The MPC urged the public to verify information and remain critical of claims circulating on social media.
“Hinihimok namin ang lahat na maging mapanuri… at kilatisin ang mga pinanggagalingan ng impormasyon,” it said.
[Translation: We urge everyone to be discerning and scrutinize the sources of information.]
The group said it will continue to question officials and report fairly on government actions.
The statement comes amid renewed speculation online about Marcos’ health after he skipped a public event earlier this week, prompting Malacañang to maintain that the president is in good condition and continues to perform his duties.
