‘Healthy’ Marcos jogs, does jumping jacks at Palace

MANILA, Philippines — A few jumping jacks and a jog inside Malacañang.

This was how President Marcos proved he is “in very, very good health” amid social media speculations and accusations even from his sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, that he is seriously ill.

The 68-year-old Marcos walked a few meters from the Palace to the New Executive Building and did a few jumping jacks before entering the press briefing area, where he faced reporters.

“I challenge anyone who are saying that I am sick, that they come and exercise with me. We will see who is stronger,” the Chief Executive said at a hastily called press conference yesterday, after doing another round of jumping jacks.

“Come to the gym with me. Let’s see who can carry heavier weights,” he added.

Marcos showed a copy of his prepared statement and mentioned the date to prove it was not a taped interview.

The President said he wanted to assure the public that he is healthy, urging them not to believe rumors that he is sick and in a coma.

Marcos cited the results of his regular blood tests, saying: “I’m really quite fine.”

He said the last time he went to the hospital was about three months ago, when he had his CT scan to show his diverticulitis has been cured.

In January, Marcos said he was diagnosed with diverticulitis, an inflammation of the large intestine.

“My diet is back to normal. My exercise is back to normal,” he said.

The President said he exercises three to four times a week.

“I’m watching my food better than before,” he added.

Asked if he has maintenance medicine, Marcos said: “One for gout, which is Allopurinol… and the other is for high blood pressure, for hypertension.”

“The others that I take are – no, nothing really. When I have allergies, I take an antihistamine,” he added.

“I’m not a great believer in supplements. If you eat well and you exercise regularly and you get regular sleep, that’s it,” Marcos noted.

Reporters accompanied Marcos as he returned to his office at Malacañang, where he did a quick run.

Asked what was the tipping point he decided to personally debunk rumors about his health, Marcos said: “I don’t want people to worry.”

He said he did not want to add to people’s concerns amid the challenges they face due to the Middle East crisis.

Over the weekend, First Lady Liza Marcos posted on social media a photo of her and Marcos, dining in Solaire.

Supporters of the Duterte family have accused mainstream media of covering up the true health status of the President.

Some online content creators have claimed without basis that the President is in a coma or is suffering from stage-four colon cancer. — Ghio Ong