PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday branded as liars the people who have been spreading unverified reports about his health.
“I challenge anyone who is saying that I am sick, that they come and exercise with me. We will see who is stronger. You come to the gym with me. Let’s see who can lift the weights stronger,” he said during a hastily called press briefing in Malacañang.
“I really want to tell our countrymen, I made sure that you see that what they say is not true, that it’s a lie. So, from now on, those people who told you that I’m sick, that I’m disabled, they are all liars. Everything they say is a lie,” he said.
Talks that the president has fallen seriously ill resurfaced last week as critics of the administration claimed that photos and videos published following the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) commemoration last April 9 were either “throwbacks” or artificial intelligence-generated.
The claims were denied by the Malacañang Press Corps, as well as the Presidential Photojournalists Association and Malacañang Cameramen Association.
Even Marcos’ older sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, claimed in a Facebook video she had known the president was sick “since November.” “Once again, I think it’s very easy to see and very clear tha t I’m in very, very good health,” the president said.
Asked why he decided to finally douse the speculations about his medical condition, Marcos said it was because he “does not want the people to worry.” “I don’t want them to think that there really is a problem. With all the problems we are facing like the war in the Middle East, amid all the problems, that would be another concern for our people. So, I thought the easiest way is to show that I’m still very active physically,” he said.
Last January, the president was diagnosed with diverticulitis and had to scale back his schedule.
On Monday, he shared that it has been more than a month since restrictions on his diet and activities have been lifted.
“I just had my regular blood test. And I’m fine. I’m really quite fine. Last time that I went to the hospital was to have my CAT scan to show that I’ve fully recovered from my diverticulitis. So that was what? Two-and-a-half, three months ago,” he said.
“My diet is back to normal. My exercise is back to normal. I still exercise three to four times a week. I’m watching my food better than before,” he added.
