Malacañang on Thursday confirmed its intent to comply with a Supreme Court directive requiring President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to comment on a petition seeking the public disclosure of his medical examination reports.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro affirmed the administration’s respect for the judiciary following the High Court’s order, which gives the President 10 days to respond to the plea.
The petition specifically seeks to compel the Chief Executive to undergo comprehensive physical and mental health examinations.
“Kung utos po ng Supreme Court iyan ay gagampanan po, gagawa po ng comment,” Castro stated during a press briefing.
The petitioners are calling for a battery of tests, including a hair follicle drug test, to address allegations of long-term illegal drug use.
They argue that the President’s state of health is a matter of significant public interest, particularly during a declared national emergency.
The legal challenge rests on two primary constitutional pillars:
- Section 12, Article VII: Mandates the public disclosure of the President’s health in the event of a serious illness.
- Section 7, Article III: Guarantees the Filipino people’s right to information on matters of public concern.
The filing cites “disturbing” observations regarding the President’s recent public appearances, alleging instances of slurred speech and physical frailty.
Furthermore, the petitioners highlighted the lack of official medical bulletins and referenced previous statements made by the President’s sister, Senator Imee Marcos, regarding his alleged past drug use.
Despite the commitment to file a comment, Malacañang maintains that the President is in good health. Both the President and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) have consistently dismissed rumors of deteriorating health as unfounded.
Just last week, Castro argued that there was no legal necessity for the President to release his records, citing prior jurisprudence that a sitting president cannot be compelled to disclose medical information without sufficient legal basis.