The Supreme Court (SC) asked President Marcos to comment in 10 days on a petition to compel him to submit himself to physical and mental health examinations.

The examinations sought from the President included a hair follicle test to determine a habitual or long-term illegal drug use.

The resolution to require comment was issued by the SC during its full court session on Wednesday, April 23.

The SC acted on the petition filed by former congressman and former House speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez, Virgilio R. Garcia, Juan C. Rana and Raymundo L. Junia.

Aside from the President, also named respondent in the mandamus petition was Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto.

A writ of mandamus is a directive to a government official, agency, or corporation to perform a mandatory duty that they have neglected or refused to perform.

In its resolution, the SC said: “Without necessarily giving due course to the petition, respondents are directed to comment within a non-extendible period of 10 days from receipt of notice.”

The petitioners told the SC that “the complete state of the President's health and well-being is a matter of utmost concern for the public. His physical and mental ability to stir the country's policy and operational direction ought to always be ensured and disclosed to the people. Especially so when timely and appropriate action is called for amid a declared national emergency.”

They cited Section 12, Article VII of the Constitution on the right of the public to be informed of the state of the President’s health in case of serious illness, and Section 7 of Article III on the people’s right to be informed of matters of public concern.

The petitioners told the SC of the President’s “disturbing behavior and impressions” during his public interviews and public appearances which include slurring speech, incoherent statements and apparent weakness in his physical demeanor.

They also cited media reports about alleged hospitalization of the President for serious but undisclosed health conditions.

They added: “Despite the gravity of such reports, there has been no official confirmation, denial or medical bulletin issued by competent medical professionals to clarify the matter. The lack of transparency has caused widespread public uncertainty and concern.”

At the same time, the petitioners cited the previous statements of presidential sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, about the President’s alleged long-standing addiction to illegal drugs.

Senator Marcos’ statements, they said, “constitute credible and material indications” that should compel Malacañang to come up with a statement on the real status of the President’s health and mental condition.

They also said that the attempt of the President to dispel rumors about his weakening health condition by performing jumping jacks and a short jog around Malacañang palace grounds only bolstered their observation as he appeared uncomfortable and out of breath after doing the physical activity.

“The petitioners are of the general observation that the respondent President is in a bad – if not, worsening – state of physical and mental health,” they added.

The President and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) had constantly denied allegations against the President’s state of mental and physical health.