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Rainier Allan Ronda - The Philippine Star
April 15, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Authorities have traced the source of circulating fake news about the health of President Marcos, but details remain confidential as investigations are ongoing, according to Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda.
Aguda said the case is being handled jointly with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), with findings already referred to the Philippine National Police and the Department of Justice for possible filing of charges.
“Yes, we have traced it, but it’s an ongoing case so we cannot reveal specific details yet,” Aguda told Bilyonaryo News Channel last Monday.
Aguda emphasized that individuals spreading false information online cannot assume they are safe simply because posts are deleted or taken down.
He explained that the role of the DICT and CICC is focused on digital forensics and evidence preservation.
“All platforms cooperate with us to preserve evidence. Even if the content is taken down, it is still stored and can be retrieved,” he said.
According to the DICT chief, once proper legal processes such as subpoenas and court orders are secured, platforms provide access to preserved data that can be used in court.
Aguda issued a warning to those spreading fake news, stressing that digital footprints remain traceable and prosecutable.
“Some people think that once a post is deleted, it’s gone. That’s not true. It is preserved and can be presented as evidence,” he said.
The investigation comes amid a surge of misinformation not only about the President’s health but also on issues such as the fuel crisis, prompting authorities to intensify monitoring and enforcement in the digital space.
Officials said cases are now being prepared, underscoring the government’s push to hold accountable those behind coordinated disinformation campaigns.
SC asked to step in
Despite dismissing rumors about his health as “pure shenanigans” and publicly demonstrating his fitness recently, President Marcos continues to face scrutiny.
A group of retired military officials has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to compel Malacañang to disclose the “true state” of his physical and mental health and to direct him to undergo a hair follicle drug test and release the results publicly.
In a 12-page urgent petition for mandamus, the United People’s Initiative (UPI) cited Section 12, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution, which states that the public must be informed in cases of serious illness of the President.
The group also asked the SC to order the issuance of regular, accurate and timely medical bulletins, particularly on conditions that may affect the President’s capacity to govern.
The UPI cited recent reports and public discussions about the President’s health following allegations that multiple witnesses saw him in a hospital. It also referenced a televised video released by government communications offices showing the President at a public event, the veracity of which was questioned by the petitioners.
They likewise cited statements of Sen. Imee Marcos, who has expressed concern over the President’s mental and emotional state.
“It is imperative for the respondents to assure the public that all executive decisions, directives and pronouncements genuinely emanate from a President who is mentally sound, physically capable and exercising independent judgment,” the petition read.
“Any reasonable doubt as to the President’s capacity undermines public trust, weakens democratic institutions and poses a serious risk to national stability,” it added.
The group raised concern over the lack of official confirmation, denial or medical bulletin to clarify the President’s condition, which it said is causing “widespread public uncertainty and concern.”
The petition also sought to require the President to undergo a hair follicle drug test, claiming it is a “reliable method” to determine long-term substance use and is consistent with public accountability standards.
UPI based its petition on mandamus, arguing that government officials have a ministerial duty under the Constitution to disclose the President’s health condition in cases of serious illness. It also cited the constitutional right to information on matters of public concern, saying the health of the head of state falls under the “highest level of public interest.”
The petitioners include retired Maj. Gen. Romeo Poquiz, retired Brig. Gen. Carlos Quita, retired Navy Capt. Rey Valeros, retired Col. Segundo Metran Jr., retired PCol. Jonathan Galang, Atty. Melchor Magdamo and Mark Bertuldo.
Named respondents include the Office of the Executive Secretary, the Presidential Communications Office, the Radio Television Malacañang and other executive officials. — Daphne Galvez
