PNP orders probe into fake medical bulletin on Marcos’ health

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Thursday ordered an investigation to identify the individuals behind the fake medical bulletin on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s health condition that circulated online. 

“I have already tasked the (PNP-Anti Cybercrime Group) to help in the conduct of investigation aimed at identifying those responsible for this. This is really disrespectful, insensitive and gross violation of the law,” said Nartatez in a statement. 

The PNP chief pointed out that manufacturing and circulation of false documents against someone is a violation of the law. 

“This must be looked into because it is clearly aimed at misleading the public. While we in the PNP fully respect the freedom of expression of every Filipino and every netizen, we are certain that this kind of action is not part of that freedom,” Nartatez added. 

Malacañang on Wednesday dismissed the alleged medical document as fake. 

“The document being circulated is FAKE. It did not originate from any legitimate medical examination of the President and does not reflect his current health condition. The President is well, fully capable of discharging his official responsibilities, and continues to actively perform his duties,” the  Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said. 

The PCO also said that "appropriate legal options are being reviewed."

Likewise, St. Luke’s Medical Center, where Marcos was placed under medical observation for diverticulitis, clarified the document was falsified.

“St. Luke’s Medical Center strictly upholds patients' confidentiality and data privacy. Medical results are released only to the patient himself/herself through authorized and official hospital channels,” it said in a statement. 

“....The posting or sharing of a patient’s medical information by anyone other than the patient constitutes a breach of data privacy and is a violation of hospital policy and applicable laws.”

Marcos said on Wednesday that he’s already alright and has returned to work. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News