FACT-CHECK: Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla health status

Nov 17, 2025 | Fact Checked by PressOnePH

CLAIM: The ombudsman, Jesus Crispin Remulla, is in critical condition.
 
RATING: FALSE

 

A video uploaded by YouTube channel “Sagam TV” falsely claimed that Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla was in critical condition, without citing official or medical sources.

Flagged content: The video, uploaded on Nov. 8, claimed that Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla was fighting for his life.

  • The caption of the photo reads: “KARMA IS REAL RËMÜLLA NAG AAGAW BUHAY NA! TÄÖNG BÄYAN DI NÄ NAKA RAMDAM NG AWA!!” (“KARMA IS REAL: REMULLA FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE! THE PEOPLE NO LONGER FEEL PITY!!”)

Our debunk: Ombudsman Remulla made a public appearance on Nov. 11, where he disclosed that he had received a copy of the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

  • On Oct. 27, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported that Remulla was healthy and physically fit to perform his duties. According to Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano, Remulla’s recent disclosures on a news program were intended to reveal his previous health issues.
  • Remulla made some media appearances, including on “Rappler Talk” on Oct. 22 and “Headstart” by ANC 24/7 on Oct. 23, where he addressed topics such as anomalous flood control projects and his commitment to transparency.
  • This is an example of news-cycle disinformation, an annoying subset of disinformation that mimics real-time news “updates” on an active story — claiming arrests, releases, case dismissals, or even deaths that haven’t happened.

Rewind: On Oct. 24, Remulla disclosed his leukemia diagnosis on the program “Usapang Real with Luchi,” hosted by veteran journalist Luchi Cruz-Valdez. 

  • “In 2023, I was diagnosed with a heart condition that required bypass surgery. I had surgery, I had a quintuple bypass, and when I was recovering, I was diagnosed with cancer— leukemia, a cancer of the blood,” Remulla said.

Why we’re fact-checking this: As of writing, the YouTube video has drawn 9,525 views, 590 likes, and 161 comments. 

Spot the fake: Practice verifying sources before believing claims made on social media.

  • Unverified claims regarding health issues on social media can lead to emotional distress and legal ramifications. Jamaica Cabilis


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