Social media rumors of Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda R. Marcos’s death was belied by the former First Lady herself by showing up “alive and kicking” at yesterday’s regular session in the House of Representatives.
“Buhay pa pero matanda na,” said the 87-year-old Mrs. Marcos as she faced House media before the legislative session could open.
Earlier, social media was abuzz with posts of reactions to the reported death of the widow of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos and mother of former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos.
The rumors started after Bacoor City, Cavite Mayor Lani Mercado tweeted her condolences to the Marcos family early yesterday morning.
“Our condolences to the Marcos family. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with Cong. Imelda Romualdez-Marcos,” wrote the former Cavite lawmaker and wife of former Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. in her Twitter account.
Mercado’s tweet launched multitudes of reaction about the supposed demise of the former First Lady in the social media.
The flurry of posts slowly died down when Revilla later realized the fatal mistake. “I would like to apologize for my tweet which I have erased. I received a news break message informing the public about Mrs. Marcos,” the former actress tweeted at 9:58 a.m. yesterday.
The city chief executive blamed her mistaken offer of condolences to computer hacking of her Twitter account, saying that she has ordered an investigation.
When asked by House journalists about Rep. Marcos’ condition, her chief of staff Filadelfo Diaz said: “She’s alive and kicking.” (Ben R. Rosario)
