Nora Aunor’s Hospital Bills Reportedly Paid by President Marcos, Not PCSO
NORA AUNOR – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. reportedly shouldered the hospital expenses of the late National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, contrary to earlier claims that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) paid for them.
This was revealed by veteran columnist Cristy Fermin in her online show Showbiz Now Na, alongside co-hosts Romel Chika and Wendell Alvarez. According to Cristy, before undergoing surgery, Nora allegedly approached former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson to offer a property in Iriga City for sale. While Singson declined, he initially promised to help cover her medical costs.
Soon after, speculation arose that PCSO, through board member and singer Imelda Papin, had stepped in to assist. However, Cristy clarified after speaking directly with Imelda that it was not PCSO, but the President himself who paid the bill.
Cristy quoted Imelda as saying, “Nang magkausap kami ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, ang sabi ko sa kaniya ‘President, ako na po ang bahalang umayos ng hospital bill ni Nora. ‘Ay hindi puwede, huwag. Sasagutin ko ‘yan. Ako ang sasagot diyan.'”
The President allegedly paid around ₱800,000 to The Medical City, with discounts granted to lessen the amount. He reportedly coordinated directly with the hospital to settle the balance.
As of now, no official statement has been released by Malacañang or the Marcos camp to confirm or deny the report, but Cristy’s account sheds light on what appears to be a personal act of compassion from the President in Nora Aunor’s final days.
Nora Aunor passed away on April 16, 2025, at 71. Her son, Kristoffer Ian de León, confirmed that she died due to acute respiratory failure. Following her death, a state funeral was held on April 22, 2025, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) in Taguig City. The ceremony was attended by family, friends, and fans and included full military honors such as a 21-gun salute and the ceremonial folding and presentation of the Philippine flag to her family.