President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had a message for his critics on Thursday — calm down.
After spending a night at St. Luke’s Medical Center for medical observation, the President assured the public he is fine. Better, even. And with a touch of humor, he reminded everyone not to read too much into his hospital stay.
“I’m fine. I feel very different from how I felt before,” Marcos said in a video message. “The problem has been fixed.”
The diagnosis? Diverticulitis — a condition he described as common among people who are constantly under stress. And, with a smile, he added one more reason.
“People who are… I have to admit, growing old.”
Then came the punchline.
“Don’t get too excited,” he joked in Filipino. “It’s not life-threatening.”
Earlier in the day, Malacañang confirmed that the President was admitted overnight after experiencing abdominal discomfort. Doctors advised him to rest and undergo monitoring, but officials stressed that his condition was stable.
Still, Marcos waved off any serious concern.
“There’s nothing to worry about,” he said, though he admitted doctors had once again told him to slow down.
The problem? That’s easier said than done.
“How do I do that?” he asked. “There’s a lot of work to be done.”
In a separate briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro explained that fatigue may have triggered the discomfort. Marcos, she said, had been working until the early hours of the morning — a routine that has become all too familiar.
Because of the hospital visit, the President skipped the Ten Outstanding Young Men awarding ceremony and was represented by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. But the pause didn’t last long.
Later that same day, Marcos returned to work and pushed through with previously scheduled private meetings.
If doctors give him the green light, Malacañang said the President is expected to resume public engagements out of town this weekend.
For now, Marcos says he’s fine — tired, maybe — but far from slowing down.
And to his critics watching closely?
Don’t get too excited.
