Vice President Sara Duterte sent a "Good luck to him" message to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as online rumors swirled about his supposed serious illness. Malacañang plans to pursue charges against those spreading disinformation. The government has clarified the president's prior medical observation.
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte relayed a "Good luck to him" message to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as rumors circulated online claiming he was hospitalized for complications from stage four colon cancer, with an alleged cover-up by mainstream media.
Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez stated that Malacañang intends to pursue charges against those peddling disinformation. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro maintained that Marcos is in good health.
In January, Marcos underwent medical observation at St. Luke’s Medical Center after discomfort linked to diverticulitis, an inflammation in the large intestine. The president has repeatedly denied worsening speculations, telling critics not to be "too excited" since his condition is not life-threatening.
On Tuesday, the Presidential Communications Office asked the DOJ to investigate at least three online posts with false claims. Gomez noted that publishing false news carries up to six months imprisonment under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code, with stiffer penalties online under the Cybercrime Prevention Act. He described the efforts as "coordinated" attempts to destabilize the government.
Duterte lawyer Paolo Panelo called the PCO's actions a "witch hunt." "PCO completely misses the point. Instead of wasting scarce government resources on a witch hunt for supposed fake news peddlers about PBBM’s health — which they themselves admit does not distract him — they should ask themselves why many Filipinos now trust content creators more than Malacañang’s spokespersons," Panelo told reporters.
