As House Speaker Martin Romualdez dismissed the rumors circulating online that he had suffered a stroke and was hospitalized, he urged Filipinos to only rely on verified and official news sources.
On Saturday, information on the Speaker's stroke and hospitalization spread online. However, in an interview later that day, Romualdez assured the public that he remains in excellent health and is fully engaged in his responsibilities in Congress.
“Mag-ingat na tayo sa fake news,” he said.
“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,” he added.
Additionally, Romualdez described the rumors as ironic, given that he had a long sleep and woke up refreshed. He said that he was feeling strong and energetic that day.
“Sana huwag na lang magpakalat ng fake news. Let's just all work together. Positive tayo lalo na Pasko ngayon,” he said.
Romualdez suspected that the rumors might have come from critics of the House, amid the ongoing hearings that each Committee is conducting. Although criticisms come with the line of work they have, Romualdez reminded the public to remain from spreading fake news.
The Office of the Speaker's Official Statement
In an official statement, the Office of the Speaker Head Executive Assistant Lemuel Erwin Romero denied the “false and malicious rumors” that spread online. According to Romero, the allegations are untrue and are “clearly designed to mislead the public and sow confusion.”
“To clarify, Speaker Romualdez is in excellent health and continues to perform his duties with dedication and focus. Just yesterday, December 6, 2024, he attended several official engagements, demonstrating his active involvement in public service,” he said.
Moreover, Romero highlighted that the Speaker had a packed schedule that day, attending a Ceremonial Signing for two laws and participating in the Year-End Celebration and Thanksgiving of the League of Provinces of the Philippines. Romualdez was alongside President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., governors, and senators.
The Office of the Speaker reiterated that the public should reject disinformation that is aimed at undermining the trust in the officials and institutions.
Basahin> statement ni Atty. Lemuel Erwin Romero, head executive assistant ni House Speaker @MartinRomualdez … tinawag nito na fake news ang kumalat na na-stroke at nasa ospital ang Speaker @dzrhnews pic.twitter.com/zUO1eqBUJH
— milky rigonan đź’‹ (@milkyrigonan) December 8, 2024
