Malacañang pushed back yesterday against remarks by Senator Imee Marcos concerning the health of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., stressing that the matter should be treated with seriousness and genuine concern.
In a statement, Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro criticized what she described as insensitive and inappropriate remarks, emphasizing that the President’s health should never be treated as a joke or a platform for public theatrics.
“Huwag natin gawing biro ang kalusugan ng Pangulo. Huwag maging komedyante o payaso sa pagbibigay ng payo,” Castro said in a Viber message to reporters.
“Totoong puso at pagkalinga ang kailangan ng isang tao na may pinagdaanang karamdaman. Huwag magpakaplastik sa mata ng nakararami,” she added.
Castro’s statement came after Senator Imee Marcos posted comments on social media following the President’s recent illness, claiming that no one was properly taking care of her brother and accusing people around him of pursuing their own agendas.
“Wala kasing nag-aalaga sa kanya. Ang health niya ang bibigay. Kanya-kanyang agenda kayo diyan. Wala namang umaasikaso sa kanya. Habang may sakit siya, kung anu-ano namang ginagawa nitong mga feeling presidente,” Senator Marcos said.
She added: “Sino ba diyan sa nakapaligid sa palasyo, sa dinami-dami ninyo, ang talagang nagmamahal sa kapatid ko?”
“Talikuran niya na ang lahat ng nakapaligid diyan Palasyo, panggulo lang 'yan,” she said.
Sen. Marcos further alleged that while the President was unwell, individuals she described as “feeling presidents” were busy advancing their own interests.
It can be remembered, Castro reiterated that the President’s medical emergency would not affect his ability to serve the country. She clarified that the President was placed under "medical observation" on the night of January 20 after "experiencing discomfort" and was later diagnosed with "diverticulitis."
According to the President, the condition was brought on by "severe stress" related to his work, as well as his age.
Despite the medical observation on January 21, Castro assured the public that President Marcos has continued to perform his official duties and has since returned to Malacañang.
