Marcoses footed Nora’s medical bills, says PCO

In a final tribute to the country’s beloved “Superstar,” President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the Office of the President quietly shouldered the hospital bills and other personal expenses of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor, a Palace official revealed on Sunday.

Analisa “Ana” Puod, Senior Undersecretary for Operations and Strategic Communications of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), confirmed to reporters that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) had no hand in covering Aunor’s medical costs.

“It wasn’t PCSO. It was the Office of the President — and President Marcos himself — who paid for Nora’s hospital expenses,” Puod said in Filipino. “It wasn’t just the hospital bill. Even some of her debts and other expenses were covered by the President’s personal funds.”

Puod explained that while hospitalization benefits are provided for National Artists, the cost of Aunor’s stay in a private hospital ran high. To fill the gap, both the President and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos pitched in from their own pockets.

“The couple really stepped in to help because the expenses went beyond what was covered,” Puod said, though she did not disclose the total amount spent.

The clarification came days after Aunor, whose real name was Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, a resting place reserved for national heroes and patriots.

The 71-year-old legend passed away on 16 April due to acute respiratory failure, leaving the entertainment world — and millions of adoring fans — in mourning.

Known for her soul-stirring performances in films like Himala, T-Bird at Ako, Bulaklak sa City Jail and The Flor Contemplacion Story, Aunor’s influence transcended the silver screen.

Likewise, her voice, immortalized in classics like Handog and Ikaw ang Superstar, captured the hopes and heartbreaks of a nation.