Bongbong missed Comelec hearing because condition worsened after radio interview, says spox

The camp of presidential aspirant and former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Sunday defended his absence at a hearing before the Commission on Elections, saying that he had not been feeling well and that his condition may have been aggravated by a radio interview.

In a statement, spokesperson Victor Rodriguez said Marcos was already feeling unwell on Thursday, January 6—after exposure to a COVID-positive staffer—but still proceeded with his scheduled morning interview.

Rodriguez said Marcos’ physician arrived after the interview, determined that he had a fever and throat swelling, and instructed him to take a midday rest.

Despite these instructions, Rodriguez said, Marcos went on with another radio interview in the afternoon of January 6.

Snippets of this second interview have since been circulating online, after his absence at the Comelec hearing the next day, January 7.

Another Marcos lawyer, Hanna Barcena, explained that he was a no-show over fears he "might cause the spread of the virus," even though he was given the option to make a virtual appearance.

“On the morning of January 7, BBM was obliged to go in isolation because his condition worsened. It was at that time that the Comelec wanted him to appear even through a video conference,” Rodriguez said.

“A judgment call was made to let BBM continue with his needed rest, since he was in bed after taking his medicines,” he added.

The hearing involves the disqualification cases raffled in the Comelec First Division which include the petitions filed by Bonifacio Ilagan, the Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law (CARMMA), religious and youth groups; Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party; and Abubakar Mangelen.

Marcos has been in isolation after he was exposed to two individuals who later tested positive for COVID-19, one being his chief of security.

The son of the ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. is gunning for the presidential spot under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte as his running mate. — BM, GMA News