MANILA — Malacañang will formally respond to a Supreme Court directive requiring President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Executive Secretary Ralph Recto to comment within 10 days on a petition seeking to compel the Chief Executive to undergo physical, mental, and drug examinations, the Palace confirmed, signaling its compliance with the high court’s order amid renewed public scrutiny.
The Supreme Court earlier ordered Marcos and Recto to submit their comment on the petition for mandamus, which calls on the President to take a hair follicle drug test and undergo other medical assessments.
“Kung utos po ng Supreme Court iyan ay gagampanan po, at gagawa po ng comment,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a media briefing.
Castro, however, declined to elaborate on the substance of the Palace’s response, noting that details would only be disclosed once the comment is officially filed.
“Kapag nagsumite po, ibibigay po namin sa inyo,” she added.
The petition stemmed from remarks made by Senator Imee Marcos alleging long-standing drug use by the President, claims that remain unproven.
Petitioners argued that under the 1987 Constitution, the public has the right to be informed about the President’s health, particularly in cases involving serious illness.
Marcos has repeatedly dismissed speculation surrounding his health and alleged drug use, previously engaging in public displays of physical activity — including jogging and performing jumping jacks within Malacañang grounds — to counter circulating claims.
He also drew attention earlier this month after lifting a 10-kilogram sack of rice during an aid distribution event, in what was seen as an effort to demonstrate his physical fitness./PN
