CONTENT creator and showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin clarified that it was President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., not the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), who paid the hospital bill of National Artist Nora Aunor.
During her programs “Cristy Ferminute” and “Showbiz Now Na,” Cristy cited her conversation with PCSO director and singer Imelda Papin, who confirmed that President Marcos personally shouldered the cost.
According to Imelda, when she spoke to the President about Ate Guy’s situation, she offered to handle the hospital expenses herself. However, the President insisted, “Hindi puwede, huwag! Sasagutin ko ‘yan. Ako ang sasagot diyan.”
Cristy emphasized that Imelda never claimed that the PCSO paid for Nora’s hospital expenses. She urged the public to rely on verified information, citing direct statements from Imelda.
She explained that the total hospital bill initially amounted to more than P800,000. After applying senior citizen discounts and other deductions, the balance settled by the President remained at over P800,000.
She also acknowledged Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson for earlier facilitating the Superstar’s admission to the hospital.
The clarification came after reporter Annalyn Jusay posted on Facebook that the PCSO paid Nora’s bills, citing an interview with Imelda.
In the video shared by Jusay, Imelda mentioned that the PCSO and the Office of the President would “help” settle the bill through her efforts, aiming to “zero” the balance.
However, Cristy maintained that in her own direct conversation with Imelda, the latter denied stating in any interview that the PCSO fully paid the hospital bill.