Malacañang asserted on Wednesday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is not obliged to disclose his medical records unless there is proof of a serious illness, dismissing a petition filed before the Supreme Court by the United People’s Initiative.
The petition sought to compel the President to undergo a hair follicle drug test and issue regular medical bulletins.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro criticized the move, saying the allegations were baseless.
“Sino po bang gumawa nung isyu, unang-una? Hindi po ba sila? Sila ang gumagawa ng isyu na walang basehan,” she said during a press briefing.
Castro cited a previous Supreme Court ruling during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, which held that a sitting president cannot be forced to release medical records without sufficient evidence of a serious condition.
“Kung puro chismis 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,” she added.
She emphasized that Malacañang has been transparent about the President’s health, pointing to his active public engagements.
Castro also defended Marcos’ recent jogging and jumping jacks, saying it was meant to demonstrate his fitness and dispel false rumors.
“Gusto lamang ng Pangulo na ipakita sa taumbayan ang kanyang health condition at maisantabi ang mga kumakalat na kasinungalingan laban sa kanya,” Castro explained.
Malacañang further noted that threats to the President’s life are routinely investigated by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), underscoring that such matters do not require direct orders from Marcos.