MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has officially dismissed rumors that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would undergo surgery, clarifying that he has returned to his “normal schedule” following a brief hospitalization due to diverticulitis.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed on Monday, January 26, 2026, that the President is back to work and has already attended several high-level meetings.
Dismissing Surgery Claims The Palace issued the clarification in response to social media speculation regarding the President’s health:
- Active Duties: Castro noted that Marcos Jr. recently attended an Economy and Development Council meeting, serving as evidence that he is fit for duty. “That’s his schedule for now, and he’s been able to attend, so we can say it’s back to normal,” she said.
- No Operation: Officials explicitly denied claims that the President was scheduled for any surgical procedure related to his condition.
The Medical Incident The President had been out of the public eye since Wednesday evening after being hospitalized for diverticulitis—an inflammation of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon.
- Representation: During his absence, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos stood in for the President at several official functions in Malacañang and Ilocos Norte.
- Video Statement: On Thursday, the President released a video statement to reassure the public. “Don’t get too excited just yet because it’s not a life-threatening condition,” he quipped, addressing political critics.
- Famous Quote: Channeling Mark Twain, the President added, “The rumors of my death are highly exaggerated.”
Public and Policy Focus With the President back at the helm, the administration is refocusing on its primary agenda for early 2026, including the “Build Better More” infrastructure projects and the 2026 policy recalibration. Malacañang emphasized that the President’s brief health scare has not impacted the government’s operational continuity.
Political allies in Congress welcomed the news of his recovery, while opposition leaders continue to call for full transparency regarding the President’s medical records to avoid further public speculation.