SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. 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.
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.
“Mag-ingat na tayo sa fake news,” Speaker Romualdez said in an interview on late Saturday afternoon.
He added: “Andito lang ako buong araw, nag-shooting ng Christmas messages at iba pa. At mamaya manonood ako ng pelikula kasama ng pamilya ko. Kahapon (Friday) naman nakasama ko ang mga governors, nag-dinner po kami.”
Speaker Romualdez also described the rumors as ironic, noting he had a restful night before their circulation.
“Kagabi hindi naman ako napuyat at ang sarap ng tulog ko. Wala akong maagang appointment kaya himbing na himbing ang tulog ko, kaya refresh na refresh ako. Now, I’m feeling very, very strong and very energetic lalo na itong araw na ito,” he said.
The Speaker called on everyone to avoid spreading disinformation and instead focus on unity and positivity during the holidays.
“Sana huwag na lang magpakalat ng fake news. Let’s just all work together. Positive tayo lalo na Pasko ngayon,” he said.
When asked about the possible source of the rumors, Speaker Romualdez suggested they may have come from critics of the House amid ongoing hearings.
“Siguro naman sa mga detractors ng House lalo na sa nangyayari po sa mga hearings natin. Siyempre, may nagbabatikos. Kumbaga, kasama din talaga ‘yan sa trabaho natin pero iwasan na lang natin ang pagkakalat ng fake news,” he added.
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 Speaker Romualdez’s recent public engagements, including his presence at Malacañang Palace on December 5 and 6, where President Ferdinand R. 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.
