‘Ayoko tumaba ulit’: Marcos assures public he’s healthy

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, April 8, assured the public he was healthy, even quipping that he was trying to maintain his current weight.

The president has been subject to a torrent of online speculation about his health, which the Palace has repeatedly dismissed.

“I’m struggling kasi ayoko tumaba ulit, nawala na 'yung taba ko, parang babalik,” Marcos said.

(I’m struggling because I do not want to gain weight again, I already lost the fat, but now it seems like it’s coming back.)

Marcos thanked those who expressed concern for him but told them not to take social media too seriously.

“I’ve been back to my regular routine for the last three months,” Marcos said.

In January 2026, Marcos was diagnosed with diverticulitis. The president was hospitalized and had to withdraw from several public events due to the illness.

Rumors about his health have persisted on social media ever since.