MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is on the mend after being diagnosed with diverticulitis and has been advised by his doctors to take a short, week-long rest, Malacañang officials confirmed Wednesday.
Marcos missed the Gawad Lingkod Bayani awards on Wednesday, with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto representing him at the event.
“It’s only natural for the doctors to recommend a week of rest,” Recto said in a brief interview. “Just a short rest, like any normal person would take.”
Recto, who shared that he himself experienced diverticulitis twice last year, noted that each episode required a week of downtime. “I am fully recovered now, and I believe the President will be fully recovered in the coming weeks,” he added.
Despite the medical advice, Marcos continues to hold daily private meetings and is taking time to sign official documents, Recto said.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez also released a statement confirming the President’s progress: “He recently returned from medical care and is recovering from diverticulitis. His medical team notes his steady progress.”
Gomez added that while Marcos will continue to focus on critical duties, the Executive Secretary and other Cabinet members may represent him in certain engagements.
Malacañang previously reported on Tuesday that Marcos is in good condition but will temporarily limit public appearances to private meetings.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro explained that the rest is a precautionary measure recommended by doctors.
Marcos was hospitalized last week after being diagnosed with diverticulitis, an inflammation of pouches inside the colon.
Though the President has described the condition as “not life-threatening,” he has skipped several events outside Malacañang, including the opening of new kiosks along the Pasig River Esplanade and an education event in Ilocos Norte.