Imee on BBM’s illness: ‘He’s uncared for in the Palace’

Sen. Imee Marcos on Saturday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. fell ill because no one in Malacañang was purportedly taking care of him.

In a Facebook video, the senator said that her brother's health would have eventually deteriorated because no one was attending to him properly.

“Wala kasing nag-aalaga sa kaniya. Sino ba diyan sa nakapaligid sa Palasyo, sa dinami-dami ninyo, ang talagang nagmamahal sa kapatid ko? Yan lang ang tanong ko,” she said.

(It’s because no one is taking care of him. Who exactly among those surrounding him at the Palace, considering there’s so many of you, actually loves my brother? That’s my only question.)

“Ang health niya ang bibigay. Kaniya-kaniyang agenda kayo diyan, wala namang umaasikaso sa kaniya,” she added.

(His health will really suffer. You each have your own agenda there, but no one is actually taking care of him.)

Her statements came after Palace Press Officer Claire Castro disclosed that the President was placed under medical observation last Thursday after “experiencing discomfort.”

He was observed at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City but has since returned to Malacañang Palace to resume his duties.

Imee advised her brother to prioritize his health and turn his back on the people surrounding him in the Palace, but did not specify who she was referring to.

“Pangalagaan muna niya ang sarili niya. Magpalakas siya. Talikuran niya na ang lahat ng nakapaligid diyan sa Palasyo. Panggulo lang yan, wala sa kanila ang talagang nagmamahal sa kaniya,” she said.

(He should take care of himself first. He should gather his strength. He should turn his back on everyone surrounding him at the Palace. It’s just a nuisance, and none of them actually loves him.)

She also called out people who were “feeling presidente.”

“Kung ano-ano naman ang ginagawa nitong mga feeling presidente. Naku,” she said.

(These people who feel like they’re presidents are doing whatever they want. Naku.)

'Huwag magpakaplastik'

Malacañang on Sunday hit back at Senator Imee Marcos for her comments.

In a Viber message to reporters, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro addressed the senator's remarks, saying the lawmaker should not be insincere, adding that the President’s health should not be treated as a joke. 

“Huwag natin gawing biro ang kalusugan ng Pangulo. Huwag maging komedyante o payaso sa pagbibigay ng payo,” Castro said. 

(Let us not joke about the President’s health. Don’t become a comedian or clown when giving advice.)

“Totoong puso at pagkalinga ang kailangan ng isang tao na may pinagdaanang karamdaman. Huwag magpakaplastik sa mata ng nakararami,” she added.

(A person experiencing illness needs genuine compassion and care. Don’t be fake in the eyes of many.) —MCG/KG, GMA Integrated News