House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez dismissed reports he suffered a stroke and was hospitalized, saying it was “fake news.”

Romualdez urged Filipinos to reject disinformation and focus on unity efforts and positivity, especially during the Christmas season.

“Mag-ingat na tayo sa fake news,” Romualdez said in an interview late Saturday afternoon.

The Speaker assured he remains in excellent health and fully engaged in his responsibilities as leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives.

“Andito lang ako buong araw, nag-shooting ng Christmas messages at iba pa. At mamaya manonood ako ng pelikula kasama ng pamilya ko. Kahapon (Friday) naman nakasama ko ang mga governors, nag-dinner po kami (I was here the whole day, had a shoot for Christmas messages and did other things. Later, I will watch a movie with my family. Yesterday, Friday, I had a meeting with governors, we had dinner),” he said.

The House chief also described the rumors as ironic as he has a restful sleep at night before his activities.

“Kagabi hindi naman ako napuyat at ang sarap ng tulog ko. Wala akong maagang appointment kaya himbing na himbing ang tulog ko, kaya refresh na refresh ako (Last night I didn’t stay up, I slept better. I had no early appointment that’s why my sleep better, that’s why i feel so refreshed),” he said.

“Now, I’m feeling very, very strong and very energetic lalo na itong araw na ito,” he said.

With this, the Speaker urged the public to avoid spreading disinformation and instead focus on unity and positivity during the holidays.

“Sana huwag na lang magpakalat ng (I hope we stop sharing) fake news. Let’s just all work together. Positive tayo lalo na Pasko ngayon (Let’s stay positive as it is Christmas),” he said.

Asked about the possible source of the rumors, Romualdez suggested they may have come from critics of the House amid ongoing hearings on the Office of the Vice President’s budget, drug probe and on the illegal activities of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs).

“Siguro naman sa mga detractors ng House lalo na sa nangyayari po sa mga hearings natin. Siyempre, may nagbabatikos. Kumbaga, kasama din talaga ‘yan sa trabaho natin pero iwasan na lang natin ang pagkakalat ng fake news (I believe it came from our detractors in the House especially on what is happening in our hearings. Of course, there would be critics. In one sense, it’s part of our work but let’s just avoid spreading fake news),” he added.