MANILA, Philippines — January 22, 2026 — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. revealed that he has been diagnosed with diverticulitis, a condition affecting the intestines, but assured the public that his health remains stable and not life-threatening.

In a video message released by Malacañang, Marcos explained that he experienced discomfort the night before and was admitted for overnight medical observation. Doctors later confirmed that he has diverticulitis, an inflammation or infection of small pouches that can form in the digestive tract.

“I’m fine. I’m feeling very different from the way I was feeling before. The problem has been resolved. What happened was, apparently, I now have diverticulitis. It’s a common complaint amongst, apparently, people who are heavily stressed and people who are, I have to admit, growing old,” Marcos said.

The President emphasized that the condition is manageable and dismissed rumors circulating online about his death as “highly exaggerated.” He added that he has since returned to Malacañang and resumed his duties after being cleared by his doctors.

Medical experts note that diverticulitis, while treatable, can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. Severe cases may require hospitalization or surgery, but lifestyle adjustments and stress management are often effective in controlling the illness.

Malacañang officials reiterated that Marcos’s condition is under control and that he continues to fulfill his responsibilities as head of state. The revelation has sparked discussions about the pressures of leadership and the importance of health transparency among public officials.

Facts vs Online Panic

Medical facts were clear. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed a manageable condition, doctors cleared him, and work resumed. Transparency mattered. It addressed concern, corrected speculation, and showed a president treating health as governance, not secrecy.

But the reaction exposed a deeper problem. Rumors of death raced faster than verified updates. Screens amplified fear before facts arrived. In the digital age, silence breeds panic, yet even clarity struggles to catch lies once they spread. Trust now depends on speed as much as truth.

Health disclosures calm only if facts outrun fiction. When rumors travel instantly, can leadership communicate fast enough to stop panic from governing public perception?