'Nothing to worry about': Palace says Marcos is recuperating from diverticulitis
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (MANILA BULLETIN/Mark Balmores)
President Marcos is recovering from diverticulitis and was advised to take a rest for the meantime, Malacañang said.
The Palace issued the statement after Marcos skipped the Gawad Lingkod Bayani event in Malacañan on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
"The President has recently returned from medical care and is recovering from diverticulitis. His medical team notes his steady progress," Presidential Communications Officer (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said.
Gomez added that the President will continue to focus on his duties while recovering.
"The President will continue to focus on critical duties but the Executive Secretary and other Cabinet members who are his alter ego may represent him at some engagements," he said.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto also said that it was "only natural" for Marcos' doctor to recommend that he rest for a week. He also assured that there was nothing to worry about the President's health condition.
"Konting pahinga lang (A little bit of rest), just like any other normal individual," Recto said in an interview after the Gawad Lingkod Bayani event on Wednesday.
He also said that the President was supposed to lead the donning of rank ceremony of Philippine National Police (PNP) Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on the same day.
"Supposed to be, pero I'm not sure kung matutuloy iyon (but I'm not sure if that will push through)," Recto said.
He, however, stressed that if it will not be pushed through, it has nothing to do with Marcos' health.
"Nothing to worry about. Kung hindi matuloy yun (If it will not take place), it has nothing to do with the President's health," he said.
The Executive Secretary further said that Marcos continues to hold private meetings and taking advantage of his rest time to sign documents.
"There are everyday private meetings and he's taking time out now to sign all documents," Recto said.
On Jan. 22, 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.