Concerns over the health of former Vice President and veteran broadcaster Noli de Castro were recently put to rest after his daughter, Public Information Agency director-general Katherine “Kat” de Castro, confirmed he is recovering well following surgery. The popular TV Patrol anchor, fondly known as “Kabayan,” underwent an undisclosed operation on a recent Sunday morning, the details of which remain private.
The initial news broke via a now-deleted Facebook post from Kat de Castro, herself a former journalist at ABS-CBN. The post urgently requested prayers for her father, sparking immediate concern among his dedicated supporters and the wider public. However, just hours later, she provided a reassuring update, confirming that the 76-year-old broadcast icon was “doing fine.” She later clarified in the comments that he had undergone a “surgery.”
This episode has once again highlighted public interest in De Castro’s well-being, especially considering his history with malicious death hoaxes. In 2021, Kat de Castro publicly debunked sensational and entirely false online reports alleging her father had slipped, fallen into a coma, and eventually died. These fabricated posts even falsely attributed the news to former colleague Ted Failon, causing significant distress to his family and supporters. The hoaxes surfaced shortly after De Castro had announced, and subsequently withdrawn, his candidacy for the 2022 Senate elections.
Addressing the issue at a congressional hearing, De Castro acknowledged that while he had grown accustomed to the persistent death rumors—jokingly saying it might lengthen his life—it is his family that is truly affected. “Sabi nga ho nila, kapag nabalita na patay na kayo, ay mas hahaba pa ang buhay nyo,” he quipped, adding that publicity, whether good or bad, keeps a personality relevant.
Despite his resilience, De Castro’s health has faced challenges in the past. During the pandemic, he observed a prolonged absence from TV Patrol due to self-quarantine after a colleague tested positive for COVID-19. More recently, earlier this year, he was conspicuously missing from his TV and radio programs for several weeks. His daughter later reported that he was recovering from complications related to sciatica.
De Castro, who celebrated his 76th birthday in July, served as the Philippines’ 12th Vice President from 2004 to 2010 under the administration of then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. His swift recovery is undoubtedly a relief to the millions who grew up listening to and watching the respected media personality.