Malacañang on Friday said it will comply with the Supreme Court’s directive to submit a comment on a petition seeking the disclosure of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s medical records, including requests for physical and mental health assessments.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the Palace will respond within the period set by the High Court.
“We will comment soon. We will follow the Supreme Court and provide a comment,” Recto said on the sidelines of the “Bawat Bayan Makinabang” event in Batangas City.
The Supreme Court en banc earlier gave Marcos and Recto 10 days to respond to the petition for mandamus filed by former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and others.
The petition seeks to compel the President to undergo medical and psychological examinations, including a hair follicle test, and to release the results to the public.
Recto said the President appears to be in good health based on his daily schedule.
“As far as I can observe, the President is strong. He has a heavy schedule every day, including engagements outside Malacañang and meetings inside the Palace,” he said.
Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration will first comply with the Court’s directive before addressing related questions, including whether the President would agree to undergo a hair follicle test.
She also reiterated that there is no legal requirement compelling the President to disclose detailed medical records.
President Marcos has previously addressed speculation about his health through public appearances, including participating in light physical activities such as jogging, jumping jacks, and weightlifting.
He has acknowledged being on maintenance medication for gout and hypertension but said he is not undergoing treatment for any serious illness.
The President was also hospitalized earlier this year for diverticulitis at St. Luke’s Medical Center.