Internet personality Jack Argota admitted that the medical certificate he posted for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in January was fake. He made this admission before the National Bureau of Investigation on February 18, 2026. However, Malacañang stated that those who violate the law must still be held accountable despite the apology.
MANILA, Philippines — Internet personality Jack Argota, known on Facebook as "Sir Jack Argota," admitted that the medical certificate he posted supposedly for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is fake. He said this in an ambush interview with reporters on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as he appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation, which issued a subpoena against him over his January post.
"I've learned not to let pure emotions take over; you also have to study whether there's any truth to it or not," he said. When asked about his motive, he replied: "Nothing, for the trend. For the engagements." He claimed he did not know it was fake because many others had posted it online, so he joined in. However, he expressed no remorse for his actions.
The supposed medical certificate circulated online following Marcos' diagnosis with diverticulitis in January 2026 after experiencing abdominal discomfort. According to the certificate, it was from St. Luke’s Medical Center and stated that the president has “severe sigmoid diverticulitis.”
Meanwhile, on February 16, the NBI filed cyberlibel complaints against former broadcaster Jay Sonza and online personality Jeffrey Celiz over the false medical records. On February 19, Malacañang maintained that the law should be implemented. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said, “Creating content should not be taken lightly, especially if it can affect not just the subject matter, but the people who may watch your fake news. We are fighting fake news so one should not engage in it and it should not end by just saying sorry.”
