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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Recto: Palace to comply with Supreme Court order, stresses Marcos is healthy

Recto: Palace to comply with Supreme Court order, stresses Marcos is healthy

Published Apr 25, 2026 02:50 pm
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. lifts a 10-kilo sack of rice to demonstrate his fitness amid ongoing health speculations during the 'Biyayang Bigas Para sa Maynila' distribution at SM City Manila on April 16, 2026. Thousands of Manila workers received 10 kilos of rice each as part of the government’s assistance program. The initiative aims to help ease the burden of residents affected by rising commodity prices. (Mark Balmores)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. lifts a 10-kilo sack of rice to demonstrate his fitness amid ongoing health speculations during the 'Biyayang Bigas Para sa Maynila' distribution at SM City Manila on April 16, 2026. Thousands of Manila workers received 10 kilos of rice each as part of the government’s assistance program. The initiative aims to help ease the burden of residents affected by rising commodity prices. (Mark Balmores)

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said Malacañang will comply with the Supreme Court’s directive to comment on a petition seeking the disclosure of President Marcos’ health condition.

Recto, in an interview on Friday, April 24, confirmed that the government is preparing its response following the High Court’s order.

“We will comment soon. We will follow the Supreme Court and provide the comment,” he said.

He, however, declined to provide details on the contents of the government’s comment, saying he has yet to review the final draft.

‘Malakas ang Pangulo’

Recto pushed back against claims about the President’s supposed health issues, asserting that Marcos remains fit and energetic.

“Nakita naman ninyo… hindi nga rin ninyo kaya sumabay sa pangulo kapag siya ay tumatakbo (You’ve seen it… you can’t even keep up with the President when he runs),” he said.

He added that the President maintains a demanding schedule.

“Sabi ko nga, napakasipag ng ating Pangulo (I’ve said it before, the President is very hardworking),” he said.

SC order

The Supreme Court earlier directed President Marcos and Recto to submit a comment within 10 days on a petition seeking to compel the President to undergo physical and mental examinations.

The petition includes a request for a hair follicle drug test.

The case was filed by former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and others through a petition for mandamus. A writ of mandamus compels a government official to perform a duty required by law.

Petitioners cited alleged public interest in the President’s health, invoking Constitutional provisions on transparency and the public’s right to information.

They also referenced unverified claims, including allegations of past drug use and observations about the President’s public appearances.

Related Tags

ralph recto President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Supreme Court PETITION medical records
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