A recent viral video involving GMA News anchor Mariz Umali has ignited controversy after claims emerged that she referred to former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as “matanda” (old) while he was on a stretcher. The incident, which occurred on March 18, 2025, during Medialdea’s medical emergency, has led to widespread backlash, particularly from supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who accused Umali of showing disrespect.

The controversy began when a social media user named Queenchubs uploaded a video showing Salvador Medialdea being transported on a stretcher. The footage, which was recorded at The Hague Penitentiary Institution in the Netherlands, shows Medialdea, who had been feeling unwell during a visit to former President Duterte, being wheeled away for medical attention.

In the video, the uploader added subtitles that appeared to indicate Mariz Umali making a comment about Medialdea’s condition. The subtitles suggested that Umali had referred to him as “matanda,” which translates to “old.” The viral video quickly spread across social media platforms, with many netizens expressing outrage, accusing the veteran journalist of mocking Medialdea in a vulnerable state.

Medialdea, who was accompanying former President Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) hearings in The Hague, had reportedly experienced a sudden health issue, leading to the emergency medical intervention. The incident occurred during a time when both Medialdea and Umali were in the Netherlands covering the ongoing ICC hearings related to Duterte’s controversial drug war.

In the wake of the online backlash, Mariz Umali took to her Facebook page to clarify her statement. On March 19, 2025, Umali posted a lengthy explanation, refuting the accusations that she had called Medialdea “matanda.”

According to Umali, her comment had been misunderstood. She clarified that she had not commented on Medialdea’s age but was actually referring to the former executive secretary’s eyes. She explained that Medialdea’s eyes appeared to be open during the initial moments of the medical incident but closed when he saw her while she attempted to interview him.

Umali went on to emphasize that her remark was never intended to disrespect Medialdea. She explained that she had simply made an observation about his eyes, which had seemingly closed as he was being moved. “I was misheard, and I would never disrespect someone in that manner,” Umali wrote in her post.

Despite the clarification, many of the viral videos continued to circulate online, and edited versions of the clip were shared by various individuals and groups. These edits often omitted Umali’s clarification, continuing to fuel the controversy and stir negative reactions from netizens.

The medical incident occurred while Medialdea was in The Hague, participating in the hearings for the ICC, where Duterte faces charges related to his administration’s war on drugs. The former executive secretary had reportedly begun feeling unwell during a public appearance, prompting his need for medical assistance. It is understood that Medialdea was quickly taken to a nearby hospital in The Hague, where he was attended to by medical professionals. The Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands confirmed that Medialdea was under the care of doctors and was accompanied by a close family member.

This medical emergency also occurred amid the ongoing international scrutiny over Duterte’s controversial policies, making the timing of the viral video all the more sensitive.

Following Umali’s public clarification, the controversy showed no signs of subsiding. The viral video continued to make the rounds on various social media platforms, with many people voicing their opinion on the matter. Some supported Umali, expressing that the journalist had been unfairly misinterpreted. Others, however, maintained that her remarks were inappropriate, particularly given the sensitive nature of the situation.

Supporters of Duterte and Medialdea were particularly vocal in their criticism, calling for accountability and demanding an apology from Umali. However, as of March 22, 2025, neither Medialdea nor Duterte’s camp had issued any official statements regarding the matter, further fueling speculation and online debate.

This controversy highlights the power and influence of social media in shaping public perception. While Umali made efforts to clear up the misunderstanding, the rapid spread of viral content and the editing of video clips suggest that misinformation continues to be a significant challenge in today’s digital landscape.

This incident underscores the responsibility that journalists, media personalities, and public figures hold in maintaining accuracy in their communications. In today’s media-driven world, where videos and content can be altered and shared in an instant, it is crucial to ensure that statements are made carefully, especially when dealing with sensitive issues.

While Mariz Umali’s intentions may not have been to disrespect Medialdea, the viral nature of the video has opened up a broader discussion about media ethics and the potential for misinterpretation. It also serves as a reminder that public figures are constantly under scrutiny, with every word and action being dissected and shared by the public.

The controversy surrounding the viral video of Mariz Umali allegedly calling Salvador Medialdea “matanda” has sparked intense debate, revealing the complexities of media reporting and the power of social media. While Umali has clarified her remarks, the incident has exposed the challenges faced by journalists in today’s fast-paced, digital age. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the controversy will die down or continue to fuel tensions in Philippine media and politics.

For now, the viral video serves as a reminder of the impact words and images can have and the need for responsible media consumption.