Marcos Jr. paid for Nora Aunor’s medical fees, debts: Palace exec

Family members as well as friends and relatives are joined by fans during the burial of National Artist for Cinema and Broadcast, Nora Aunor is finally laid to rest at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani in Taguig City on April 22, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — The Office of the President and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have shouldered the hospital bills, debts, and other expenses left behind by veteran actress and national artist Nora Aunor, a Palace official said on Sunday.

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Mel Robles has confirmed that it was the OP and the President himself who paid for the late superstar’s bills, said Communications Senior Undersecretary Ana Puod.

“‘Di lang yung hospital bill ‘yan, pati ibang utang at ibang expenses daw galing sa personal na pera ni PBBM (President Bongbong Marcos) ‘yan,” she told reporters in a text message.

“We don’t know the breakdown… Kung magkano at ano breakdown ng binigay ng Presidente, we don’t want to discuss anymore,” she said.

Nora Aunor — who was recognized as a National Artist for Film and Broadcast in 2022 — succumbed to acute respiratory failure on April 16 at the age of 71.

All national artists in the Philippines are entitled to receive a P200,000 cash award and a lifetime monthly stipend of P50,000.

The state will also shoulder their medical and hospitalization fees up to P750,000 annually.

Their heirs will also receive a one-time cash award amounting to at least P150,000 once they have passed away.