The Philippine president is dismissed from hospital and says he’s fine after an abdominal ailment

Philippine President Hospitalized for Abdominal Ailment, Dismisses Health Concerns

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was briefly hospitalized for an abdominal condition diagnosed as diverticulitis, an inflammation of small pouches in the digestive tract. The 68-year-old leader has since been released and resumed his duties, according to a statement from Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro.

In a video released Thursday, Marcos appeared in good spirits, smiling while wearing a white long-sleeve office shirt. “I’m fine,” he assured the public. “I’m feeling very, very different from the way I was feeling before, but the problem has been fixed.”

The president explained that his condition is common among individuals experiencing high stress levels and those advancing in age. Diverticulitis typically causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and constipation, but is rarely life-threatening when properly treated.

With characteristic humor, Marcos addressed speculation about his health that had circulated on social media. “Don’t worry. The rumors of my death are highly exaggerated,” he quipped, adding a message to political opponents: “Don’t get too excited yet because it’s not a life-threatening condition.”

This health episode comes amid numerous challenges facing the Marcos administration since he took office in mid-2022. His presidency has been marked by complex issues that have demanded significant attention and likely contributed to the stress he referenced.

Among the most pressing concerns is the Philippines’ increasingly tense territorial dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea. The Philippine government has taken a more assertive stance in defending its maritime claims in recent months, resulting in several confrontations between Philippine vessels and Chinese coast guard ships in contested waters.

On the domestic front, Marcos has faced a series of natural disasters including devastating earthquakes, powerful typhoons, and severe flooding that have strained the country’s emergency response capabilities and infrastructure. The Philippines’ position along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and in a typhoon-prone region makes it particularly vulnerable to such calamities.

Economic challenges have also tested his leadership. The Philippines, like many countries, continues to grapple with post-pandemic recovery amid global inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions that have affected food prices and basic commodities.

Political tensions have further complicated governance. Marcos has experienced strained relations with Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, despite their initial alliance during the 2022 election. Their relationship has reportedly deteriorated over policy differences and political rivalries.

Adding to these difficulties, a corruption scandal involving powerful legislators has recently sparked public outrage. The controversy has drawn significant media attention and fueled calls for transparency and accountability in government.

Marcos’ brief hospitalization comes at a time when political stability is particularly important for the Southeast Asian nation of approximately 115 million people. As a key U.S. ally in the region with growing strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific, the Philippines’ leadership continues to navigate complex diplomatic relationships while addressing domestic priorities.

Government officials have emphasized that the president’s condition was not serious and that he has already returned to his regular schedule. According to Castro, Marcos attended two private meetings on Thursday following his release from the hospital, demonstrating his ability to continue performing his duties despite the health scare.

Medical experts note that diverticulitis is treatable with antibiotics, dietary changes, and rest in most cases, though more severe instances might require surgical intervention. The president did not specify what treatment he received during his hospital stay.