Malacañang on Monday dismissed as “fake news” Senator Imee Marcos’ statement claiming that her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., is suffering from an illness.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement after the senator posted a video in which she alleged that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been experiencing health problems, including reported hospital visits and weight loss.

“Ang alam ko lang, may sakit si Bongbong. Noong November pa sinabi ko sa harap ng ating mga kapatid na Iglesia na may problema. Dalawang buwan, isinugod na sa ospital ilang beses, namayat na,” Marcos said in the video.

In response, Castro rejected the claims and emphasized that the senator and the President are estranged and do not have regular contact.

“Sinabi niya hindi sila nagkikita, diba? So ano ang alam niya. Fake news siya,” Castro said during a briefing in Malacañang Palace.

She urged the public not to believe or spread unverified information about the President’s condition.

“Huwag niyo na initindihin ang mga fake news ngayon. Ang intindihin po natin kung ano po ang nirereport ng mainstream. At kung ano po ag nakikita niyo mismo sa pangulo,” she said.

Castro also described individuals spreading misinformation as a “social menace,” adding that such claims should not be amplified.

“Huwag na po nating palawakin ang mga fake news peddlers. Hindi po natin sila kailangan sa ating lipunan. Salot sila,” she added.

Malacañang has previously denied reports alleging that the President is facing health problems.