Manila Bulletin
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Marcos says he has diverticulitis, assures public condition is not life-threatening
Philippines
National
Marcos says he has diverticulitis, assures public condition is not life-threatening
Marcos says he has diverticulitis, assures public condition is not life-threatening
Published Jan 22, 2026 05:07 pm
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (PCO)
President Marcos said he has been diagnosed with diverticulitis, a common intestinal condition, but assured the public that his health is stable and that there is no cause for alarm.
In an interview with Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro, the President said he is now feeling much better after receiving medical attention.
“I’m fine. I’m feeling very different from the way I was feeling before. Naayos na ‘yung problema (The problem has been fixed),” he said Thursday afternoon, Jan. 22.
The President said doctors diagnosed him with diverticulitis, which he described as a condition often associated with 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 the President to slow down due to overwork, an observation Marcos 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 (The doctor always tells me that. But how can you do that when there’s so much work)?” he said.
Marcos stressed that his condition is not serious and should not be misinterpreted by critics or fuel speculation about his ability to govern.
“Huwag kayo muna masyadong excited dahil (Don’t get too excited because) it’s not a life-threatening condition,” he said.
Asked directly if there was any reason for the public to worry, the President responded bluntly.
“Wala. Huwag kayong mag-alala (None. Don’t worry),” he said.
“The rumors of my death are highly exaggerated,” he added.
The Palace earlier said Marcos was placed under medical observation as a precaution after experiencing discomfort, but continued to work and has since returned to Malacañan, with doctors advising rest and monitoring.