Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has dismissed as “fake news” the rumors circulating online that he suffered a stroke and was hospitalized, as he urged Filipinos to reject disinformation and focus on unity and positivity, especially during the Christmas season, a press release from the House of Representatives said.
The Speaker assured the public that he remains in excellent health and fully engaged in his responsibilities as leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives.
Romualdez also described the rumors as ironic, noting he had a restful night before their circulation.
The Speaker called on everyone to avoid spreading disinformation and instead focus on unity and positivity during the holidays.
When asked about the possible source of the rumors, Speaker Romualdez suggested they may have come from critics of the House amid ongoing hearings.
The Office of the Speaker had earlier denounced the rumors as a calculated attempt to undermine public trust in the country’s leaders.
“These allegations are completely untrue and are clearly designed to mislead the public and sow confusion,” said Atty. Lemuel Erwin Romero, Head Executive Assistant of the Speaker’s Office.
Romero noted Romualdez’s recent public engagements, including his presence at Malacañang Palace on December 5 and 6, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met lawmakers for a Christmas fellowship and signed two new laws, respectively.
He urged everyone to rely on verified and credible sources of information, warning that disinformation erodes trust in institutions and harms the nation.*
