MANILA – The office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Saturday denied “malicious rumors” circulating online that he suffered a stroke and is confined in a hospital.

“These allegations are completely untrue and are clearly designed to mislead the public and sow confusion,” lawyer Lemuel Erwin Romero, head executive assistant of the Speaker’s office, said in a statement.

“Speaker Romualdez is in excellent health and continues to perform his duties with dedication and focus,” he said.

Romero pointed out that Romualdez attended several official engagements on Dec. 6, “demonstrating his active involvement in public service.”

The Speaker was in Malacañang, Manila Friday morning for the signing by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of two the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act (Republic Act 12076) and the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act (RA 12077).

The ceremony was also 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.

The Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act aims to establish a nationwide network of permanent, storm-resilient evacuation centers designed to withstand typhoon winds of up to 300 kph and seismic activity of up to magnitude 8.

The Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act aims to provide financial relief to students in calamity-declared areas, allowing the deferment of loan payments for higher education and technical-vocational training programs during and after emergencies, without penalty or interest.

Later, Romualdez participated in the yearend celebration and thanksgiving of the League of Provinces of the Philippines at Imelda Hall with President Marcos, governors and senators, where the House leader reinforced collaboration with local government leaders.

“We urge everyone to rely only on verified and official sources of information and to reject disinformation that seeks to undermine trust in our leaders and institutions,” Romero said. (PNA)