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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ortega slams disinformation on Marcos' health, says there's 'nothing to clarify'

Ortega slams disinformation on Marcos' health, says there's 'nothing to clarify'

Published Jan 29, 2026 11:01 am

At A Glance

  • House Deputy Speaker La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V has branded as disinformation the intrigue on the alleged medical test results of President Marcos that are circulating online.
La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (MANILA BULLETIN)
La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (MANILA BULLETIN)


House Deputy Speaker La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V has branded as disinformation the intrigue on the alleged medical test results of President Marcos that are circulating online.
“This is not a health issue. This is a disinformation issue. An independent medical institution has already confirmed the documents are fake. We respect and rely on that statement," Ortega said on Thursday, Jan. 29.
The ranking congressman was referring to St. Luke’s Medical Center's categorical denial on the authenticity of the alleged medical findings on the state of Marcos' health.
Ortega, a Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) stalwart, cited a deliberate spread of false information about the Chief Executive. He insisted that there was nothing more to clarify after St. Luke’s Medical Center came out with a statement.
In a public advisory dated Jan. 28, 2026, St. Luke’s Medical Center said it was aware of the circulation of documents claiming to pertain to the President and categorically rejected their authenticity.
“St. Luke’s Medical Center is aware of medical test results falsely circulating online and on social media claiming to pertain to President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. These documents are FAKE and FALSIFIED,” the hospital said.
Ortega said: “This did not come from the Palace. It came from St. Luke’s Medical Center itself. That alone settles the issue...There is nothing further to clarify beyond that."
The Ilocano also warned against attempts to pressure public officials into disclosing private health information. He says patient confidentiality is protected by law and hospital policy.
“The President respects patient confidentiality and data privacy. That principle applies to everyone. No one should be pushed into violating privacy laws just to feed rumors.”
Ortega also echoed the hospital’s call for caution, and urged the public to be responsible in sharing information online.
“Fake documents do not deserve airtime. Spreading falsified material is irresponsible and only undermines public discourse," he said.
St. Luke’s also reminded the public that sharing unverified medical information could carry legal consequences.
Ortega said the President remains focused on governance, adding that the controversy should end with the hospital’s categorical denial.
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