President Marcos Leaves Hospital After Diverticulitis Diagnosis, Dismisses Death Rumors

MANILA — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., 68, was evaluated at a hospital for an abdominal complaint diagnosed as diverticulitis and was discharged the same day after observation, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

In a video released Thursday, a smiling Marcos, wearing a white long-sleeve shirt, told the nation he was recovering and dismissed circulating rumors that he had died. He said he felt much better and that doctors had resolved the problem.

I’m fine, Marcos said. Don’t worry. The rumors of my death are highly exaggerated. He also described the condition as not life threatening.

Marcos attributed the episode to stress and aging. Diverticulitis is inflammation of small pouches in the digestive tract, usually in the colon, and can cause abdominal pain, fever, nausea or constipation. According to officials he attended two private meetings after being discharged.

Since taking office in mid-2022, Marcos has faced multiple national and international challenges, including a tense territorial dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea, destructive earthquakes and typhoons, ongoing economic pressures, strained relations with his vice president, and a corruption scandal involving influential lawmakers that has provoked public outrage.

Communications officials said the president is under routine medical follow-up and remains fit to perform his duties.