PBBM quashes health rumors; Palace press corps hits smear job

Meanwhile,the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) denied allegations that its members are being paid or used to hide President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s health status, emphasizing that their reports are based on verified information and official sources.

In a statement, the MPC highlighted that previous reports and press briefing videos documented how its members questioned government officials about the President’s condition.

“The MPC stands firm on the veracity of reports released by our members last week. We also condemn the brazen attempts to undermine journalists’ credibility and mislead our fellow citizens to advance the interests of a few,’

In a Facebook post, President Marcos showed images from his night out with his wife on Saturday, April 11, at a Solaire restaurant in Parañaque City, where they were greeted by fellow diners—a mother and her young daughter.

“Took Liza out for a quiet dinner, just a bit of time away from the day.

Along the way, we met a mother and daughter who came over for a quick hello and a short chat. Nice reminder of why the work we do matters,” he wrote on his status update.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (center) and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (far left) enjoy a Sunday lunch with youngest son, Vinny (far right) and his friends at Bahay Pangulo in Manila on April 12, 2026. (Courtesy: Liza Marcos) 

Mrs. Marcos also posted a photo from the same night, saying they enjoyed each other’s company.

“Sometimes it’s just nice to slow down and enjoy each other’s company. No noise. Just us,” she said.

The First Lady followed up this post with another lunch photo on Sunday with their youngest son, Vinny, and his friends who came over to visit them at Bahay Pangulo.

“Good food, easy laughter and the kind of moments you wish could last a little longer,” Mrs. Marcos wrote in the caption with a red heart emoji.

These social media posts come amid circulating online posts questioning the President’s health status, with some detractors going as far as claiming that his recent public appearances were generated by artificial intelligence.

Malacañang strongly rejected these allegations and are taking legal actions to hold the fake news peddlers accountable.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) called on tech giant Meta to take immediate action against “false, misleading, and panic-inducing” content on social media.

In a joint letter dated April 10, PCO acting Secretary Dave Gomez and DICT Secretary Henry Aguda urged Meta chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg to implement strict measures aimed at countering false information on pressing issues, such as oil prices, economic disruptions, and government actions.

Gomez and Aguda said the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation on Meta’s platforms “poses a direct and escalating threat to public order, economic confidence, and national security.“

President Marcos already denied unfounded rumors about his health while acknowledging ongoing efforts to stay fit.

PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro also clarified that Mr. Marcos’ weight loss is due to precautionary measures following a past bout of diverticulitis and not caused by a serious illness.

The PCO also announced that it will create a website where the public can report fake news.

Gomez emphasized that the president is focused on addressing rising energy costs for Filipinos and the economy amid Middle East tensions.

This MPC statement follows Malacañang’s preparations to file a complaint with the Department of Justice against individuals spreading false information about the President’s health.

PCO chief Gomez said that authorities are collecting evidence to support the legal action, which might be filed this week.

The MPC underscored its dedication to responsible journalism, asserting that its reports rely on information from credible sources or firsthand accounts, all verified for accuracy before publication.

“This is not being done by content creators who rely only on their social media account, wild imagination, and a questionable agenda,” it said

“It’s easy to accuse. It’s easy to make up stories. It’s easy to spread baseless gossip.This is not the work of responsible journalists,” the MPC added.

Earlier this week, President Marcos dismissed rumors about his health while acknowledging ongoing efforts to maintain his fitness.

Additionally, PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro clarified that Mr. Marcos’ weight loss is due to precautionary measures following a past bout of diverticulitis, not an illness. — Katrina Manubay

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