Palace denies reports of Marcos hospitalization
The Palace has officially denied rumors that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was hospitalized, stating he is well and working despite Saturday morning reports, clarifying amidst past hospitalization speculations.
In early September 2024, rumors circulated on social media claiming that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had been hospitalized, prompting Malacañang Palace to issue a strong denial. The false reports emerged around September 3-4, 2024, with former broadcaster Jay Sonza among those spreading unverified claims about a medical emergency in San Miguel, Manila where the presidential palace is located. These rumors gained traction on various social media platforms, including YouTube videos alleging that Marcos had been rushed to the emergency room and was being hidden in a safe house.
President Marcos personally addressed the rumors on September 4, 2024, during a media interview at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) headquarters. He laughed off the reports, stating, "Do I look sick? That's the kind of fake news we need to watch out for... It's totally and completely fake. I do not even have a cold. I do not have anything wrong with me. I'm fine." He emphasized that he had been at the presidential palace doing paperwork, reading briefs, and attending a command conference when the rumors began circulating.
In the days preceding the rumors, Marcos had maintained a visible public schedule, attending the 56th founding anniversary of the Presidential Airlift Wing at Villamor Airbase on September 3 and participating in the 28th year commemoration of a peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front. His public appearances during this period contradicted the hospitalization claims, with palace officials consistently refuting the rumors as baseless.
The incident highlighted ongoing challenges with health-related disinformation about the President, following earlier false reports in 2024 including AI-generated photos showing Marcos in a hospital bed. The rumors prompted concerned calls from friends and associates inquiring about his health, but both the President and Malacañang officials maintained that he was in good health and carrying out his normal duties. The Palace's swift denial and the President's personal response aimed to quell public concern and counter the spread of unverified information about his health status.
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