Veteran journalist and GMA News anchor Mariz Umali has denied accusations that she referred to former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as “matanda” in a viral video clip that has circulated online.
The video, uploaded by a social media user named Queenchubs, reportedly captures Umali and another individual speaking while Medialdea was being transported on a stretcher outside the The Hague Penitentiary Institution in the Netherlands. Medialdea, 73, was experiencing a health emergency after visiting former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently facing crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The caption of the video clip accused Umali of disrespecting Medialdea, stating: “Talaga ba Mariz Umali? Matanda?”
The video, which has garnered millions of views, included subtitles added by the uploader that claimed Umali said: “Tingnan mo yung matanda, nakabukas yung mata niya kanina tapos nakita niya ako, bigla niyang pinikit (laughs).”
The clip also includes a response from her companion, who allegedly agreed by saying: “Korek, korek.”
Additionally, Umali was heard telling the person filming: “Kuya, baka kina-capture mo yung sinabi namin.”
To which the person replied: “Ate, sorry, naka-live ako.”
Following the video’s spread, Umali trended on social media and faced intense backlash, particularly from Duterte’s supporters.
On March 19, 2025, Mariz Umali issued a statement on her Facebook page, refuting the misinterpretation of her words. She insisted that she never called Medialdea “matanda” and that the viral clip had distorted what she actually said.
“A certain vlogger has circulated a post containing my voice, claiming that I referred to Former Executive Secretary Medialdea as ‘matanda’ while he was on a stretcher. This interpretation is inaccurate.”
She clarified that she was actually referring to Medialdea’s eyes, not his age.
“What I actually said was, ‘Tingnan mo yung ‘mata niya’ [Medialdea], nakabukas siya nung una pero nung nakita niya ako, pinikit.’”
Umali emphasized that her comment was a simple observation and not meant to be disrespectful.
“At that time, I, along with our stringer, was reviewing an exclusive footage of Former Executive Secretary Medialdea being taken out of the penitentiary on a stretcher.”
“My observation was purely about his eyes—how they were initially open but closed upon seeing me during my attempt to interview him.”
She expressed disappointment over the false accusations and hoped to set the record straight.
“It is obvious that I was misheard. I want to be clear that no disrespect was intended toward Former Executive Secretary Medialdea.”
“I hope this clarification helps set the record straight.”
Both Umali and Medialdea are currently in The Hague, Netherlands, covering and attending Duterte’s ICC hearings.
Mariz Umali is there as part of GMA News’ coverage of Duterte’s case.
Salvador Medialdea has been a key representative of Duterte in legal proceedings since the former president was arrested by Interpol in the Philippines on March 11, 2025, and extradited to The Hague.
Medialdea fell ill on March 18, 2025, shortly after visiting Duterte in detention, prompting his emergency hospitalization.
Despite Umali’s clarification, numerous spliced versions of the video continue to spread online, adding to the controversy. The misleading clip has fueled misinformation, with several posts accusing Umali of being biased against Duterte and his allies.
As of writing, neither Medialdea nor Duterte’s camp has issued an official statement regarding the viral video.
