A group of retired generals and concerned citizens has filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking to compel President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to undergo a hair follicle drug test and publicly release the results, citing the public’s right to transparency regarding the chief executive’s health.
The petition, lodged on April 10 by the United People’s Initiative (UPI), argued that the president’s physical and mental condition is a matter of constitutional importance, particularly if any issue could impair his ability to perform his duties.
The group pointed to reported eyewitness accounts of Marcos being seen at St. Luke’s Hospital earlier this month, as well as remarks from his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, expressing concern over his mental and emotional well-being.
“The right to information is paramount. We, the people, as sovereign, have the right to assert transparency regarding the condition of officials who exercise executive power in our name,” the petition stated.
“Secrecy in this context defeats democratic accountability and erodes the people’s ability to render informed judgment about governance.”
The petitioners also asked the Court to direct the Office of the Executive Secretary and Acting Communications Secretary Dave Gomez to issue regular medical bulletins on the president’s health should any condition arise that might affect his capacity to govern.
The move comes just days after Marcos publicly dismissed rumors about his health. On Monday, he appeared energetic, performing jumping jacks and jogging alongside reporters to demonstrate his fitness.