No need for Marcos to release medical records—Palace
Malacañang said there is no need for President Marcos to release his medical records or undergo tests, pushing back against calls for further proof of his health.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said this amid calls for the release of the President’s medical bulletin following rumors surrounding his health and capacity to lead the country.
In her press briefing on Wednesday, April 15, Castro said the President has already shown his condition publicly, including through recent activities.
“Wala pong kailangang gawin ang Pangulo (There is no need for the President to do that),” she said.
Castro cited a Supreme Court ruling stating that a president cannot be compelled to disclose medical records without a sufficient basis.
“Hindi po kinakailangan at kailangang sapilatang magbigay ang isang pangulo ng kaniyang medical records (A president cannot be forced to disclose his medical records),” she said.
She noted that allegations about a president’s health must be substantiated, not based on speculation.
“So, kung puro tsismis lang po ang pagbabasehan ninyo at guni-guni lamang at wala kayong anumang basehan, sa tingin po natin ang Supreme Court ay hindi naman po babaliktarin ang ganitong klaseng jurisprudence (If your basis is purely rumors and imagination without any evidence, we believe the Supreme Court will not overturn such jurisprudence),” she said.
The Palace official said the President’s recent public appearance, including jogging around the Malacañan Complex, was meant to counter false claims.
“Gusto lamang niyang ipakita… kung ano ba talaga ang kaniyang health condition (He just wants to show what his real health condition is),” she said.
Castro said the activity was a response to misinformation circulating online.
Swipe at critics
Castro took aim at critics questioning the President’s health, including former Palace spokesman Harry Roque, who challenged Marcos to release his medical records instead of jogging around for a few meters. Roque was referring to Marcos’ recent public appearance, where reporters chased him while he was jogging around Malacañan Complex.
“Mas maganda po na tumakbo ng ilang metro kaysa tumakbo sa kamay ng batas (It is better to run a few meters than run from the law),” she said, referring to Roque’s seeking asylum in Europe.
The Palace Press Officer likewise referred to past statements from officials under the previous administration, including Roque, opposing mandatory disclosure of a president’s health records.
“I don’t think the people should worry about [the] lack of transparency because the President himself will say what his condition is,” Castro said, citing Roque’s statement regarding calls to release the medical records of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
On drug test petition
Castro also dismissed a petition seeking to compel Marcos to undergo a hair follicle drug test.
“Sino po ba ang gumawa ng isyu… sila ang gumagawa ng isyu nang walang basehan (Who created the issue… they are the ones creating baseless issues),” she said.
The Palace official said those making allegations must first prove their claims.
“Unless they can prove that there is serious illness, then there’s no need,” Castro said.