The Tamesis
February 2, 2026
Manila – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public on Sunday that he was making a full recovery after being recently diagnosed with diverticulitis, contradicting claims that his health has since worsened.
In his latest vlog, Marcos appears thinner and frailer and says he is still recovering.
“Ako naman, eto, nagre-recover na rin. Pero maganda angassess ng mga doktor, nothing serious. Kailangan lang magpalakas ulit (As far as I am concerned, I am also recovering now. The doctor’s 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 only drank soup for a few days. It was okay, like I just went on a diet),” the 68-year-old president even joked about his condition.
READ: Palace wants to investigate spread of false medical reports on Marcos’ health”
Marcos has been attending public events outside Malacañang since he was under observation at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City after feeling unwell on the night of January 21.
He was diagnosed with diverticulitis – inflammation of the diverticula, or pouches, in the colon. This is a non-fatal disease common in older adults who are often stressed.
Malacañang on Thursday called on the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the circulation of false medical documents regarding President Marcos’ health.
READ: Marcos says he feels good, ‘receiving the best medical care’
On January 28, palace press officer Claire Castro said that despite public calls for the records to be released, there was no need to issue a medical announcement regarding Marcos’ health.
Castro said the president’s assurance to the public that he was feeling well was more reliable than formal medical documentation.
According to Article 7, Section 12, of the 1987 Constitution, “[i]If the president becomes seriously ill, the public should be informed of his health condition. “
Dave Gomez, acting secretary of the Office of Presidential Communications, said earlier that Marcos is steadily recovering from diverticulitis but may still be in the public eye from time to time.
He added: “The president will continue to focus on key responsibilities, but the executive secretary and other cabinet members are his alter egos and may participate in some activities on his behalf.” /cb
