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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PCO tracking sources of 'sudden, coordinated surge' in disinformation on Marcos' health

PCO tracking sources of 'sudden, coordinated surge' in disinformation on Marcos' health

'Every post, comment, lie is a piece of evidence in court'

Published Apr 9, 2026 12:30 pm  |  Updated Apr 9, 2026 03:17 pm
PCO Secretary Dave Gomez (Photo courtesy of PPA)
PCO Secretary Dave Gomez (Photo courtesy of PPA)
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said they detected a "sudden and coordinated surge" in disinformation, targeting President Marcos' health.
In a statement on Thursday, April 9, Gomez said they are now tracking and identifying the sources of the false information being spread across social media platforms.
"Our Anti-Fake News Desk has detected a sudden and coordinated surge in disinformation across social media, particularly targeting the President’s health," Gomez said.
"Even respected traditional media outlets have fallen victim to this vicious attack of the trolls," he added.
Early this week, claims that the President was unwell began circulating on social media. Malacañang, including the President, has since debunked these speculations.
While Marcos told the public not to believe the rumors, the PCO issued a stern warning that they will go after those spreading disinformation about the President.
Gomez noted that the "timing is suspect," calling the sudden surge of disinformation a "desperation" to "distract and destabilize our government."
"The Presidential Communications Office is tracking and documenting every post, every comment, and every lie. Each one is a piece of evidence we can use in court," he warned.
"We will identify the perpetrators, trace their networks, and file the proper charges in court once the evidence is complete hopefully by next week," he added.
Despite this, Gomez said, the President will not be distracted and remains fully focused on addressing the country’s energy emergency.
"We are in a state of energy emergency. The President will not be distracted by this noise. The President remains laser-focused on one mission: solving our energy emergency and delivering real, tangible help to every Filipino family, improving their lives and  strengthening our economy," the Palace official said.
Marcos on Wednesday, April 8, finally put an end to speculation about his health as he personally dismissed the rumors, saying there is no issue and that he has returned to his regular routine months after his diverticulitis diagnosis.
READ MORE: 'Walang problema': Marcos dispels rumors about his health

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PCO Dave Gomez President Marcos fake news
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