February 2, 2026
MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday assured the public that he is on his way to fully recover after being diagnosed with diverticulitis recently, contradicting claims that his health had since deteriorated.
In his latest vlog episode, Marcos, who appeared thinner and weaker, said he was still recuperating.
“Ako naman, eto, nagre-recover na rin. Pero maganda ang assessment ng mga doktor, nothing serious. Kailangan lang magpalakas ulit (For my part, I’m also recovering now. The doctors’ assessment is good—nothing serious. I just need to regain my strength),” he said.
“Namayat na nga ako at sabaw lang pinabinibigay sa akin ng ilang araw. Mabuti na ‘yan at para akong nag-diyeta (I even lost weight and was given only soup for several days. That’s fine—it’s like I just went on a diet),” the 68-year-old President even joked about his condition.
READ: Palace wants probe into spread of fake medical report on Marcos’ health’
Marcos has attended public events outside of Malacañang since he underwent observation at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City on the evening of Jan. 21 after experiencing discomfort.
He was diagnosed with diverticulitis—an inflammation of the diverticula, or small pockets, in the colon. It is a non-lethal condition common to aging individuals frequently under stress.
Malacañang on Thursday called on the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the spread of a fake medical document regarding President Marcos’ health.
READ: Marcos says he’s feeling well, ‘getting best possible medical care’
On Jan. 28, Palace press officer Claire Castro said there was no need to issue a medical bulletin on the health status of Marcos, despite calls from the public to disclose these records.
According to Castro, the President’s assurance to the public that he feels well was more reliable than a formal medical document.
Under Section 12, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution, “[i]n case of serious illness of the President, the public shall be informed of the state of his health.”
Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez earlier said Marcos was showing steady recovery from diverticulitis but might still be absent from the public eye from time to time.
“The President will continue to focus on critical duties, but the Executive Secretary and other Cabinet members, who are his alter egos, may represent him at some engagements,” he added. /cb