Speaker's office denies rumors of Romualdez stroke, hospitalization

The Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez dismissed as "malicious rumors" the allegations that he suffered a stroke and was hospitalized.

In a statement released by his office on Saturday, Romualdez's camp  condemned the false claims, which they said were spread online to  "mislead the public and sow confusion."

“Speaker  Romualdez is in excellent health and continues to perform his duties with dedication and focus… These allegations are completely untrue and are clearly designed to mislead the public and sow confusion,” said Head Executive Assistant of the Speaker’s Office Lemuel Erwin  Romero.

Romero further clarified that Romualdez had attended several official engagements on December 6, including a ceremony at the Malacañang Palace where President Ferdinand "Bongbong"  Marcos Jr. signed two new laws, an event attended by other House leaders and senators.

“The event was widely covered by the media, underscoring his active role in advancing these legislative measures,” Romero said.

Romero urged the public to rely only on verified and official sources of information, urging everyone to reject disinformation aimed at eroding trust in the country's leaders and institutions.

Meanwhile, Congresswoman Gerville Luistro also weighed in, calling for an end to the spread of misinformation.

"Speaker Martin Romualdez remains in good health and continues to fulfill his duties as a committed public servant with vigor and dedication," said  Luistro.

"These  baseless speculations not only distract from the meaningful work being  accomplished in the House of Representatives but also undermine the  integrity of our public discourse."

She further emphasized the shared responsibility of citizens to combat the spread of fake news.

The congresswoman called on everyone to rely on verified and credible sources, especially when discussing matters concerning the nation's leaders.

'Ingat sa fake news'

 On Sunday, Romualdez dismissed as “fake news” the rumors circulating online that he suffered a stroke and was hospitalized.

In the statement, he assured the public that he remains in "excellent health and fully engaged in his responsibilities as leader of the House of Representatives."

“Mag-ingat na tayo sa fake news,” 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.”

 Romualdez suggested the rumors 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 said.

“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 R. Marcos Jr. met lawmakers for a Christmas fellowship and signed two new laws, respectively.— DVM/RF, GMA Integrated News