In an unplanned, dramatic show of defiance against swirling social media rumors about his declining health, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. put on an impromptu fitness demonstration Monday outside his Manila office, performing jumping jacks and a short jog for assembled journalists to prove the falsehood of claims that he was seriously ill or even deceased.
Dressed in his standard formal office attire, complete with reading glasses and leather work shoes, the 68-year-old head of state told reporters the spontaneous workout was intended to ease unnecessary public anxiety about his health at a moment when Filipinos are already grappling with cascading challenges tied to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“I challenge anyone out there spreading claims that I am sick to come exercise with me,” Marcos told the press contingent. “Meet me at the gym, and we will see who can outlift me on the weights. Those people saying I am sick, that I am paralyzed, they are all liars.”
The unsubstantiated health rumors began spreading rapidly across Philippine social media platforms earlier this year after Marcos stepped back from public appearances for a short period in January. He later addressed the public in a pre-recorded video message, confirming he had been admitted to a hospital for treatment of an abdominal condition linked to stress and aging.
During Monday’s demonstration, Marcos openly laughed off the baseless claims of his death and clarified his formal medical diagnosis: diverticulitis, a common digestive condition marked by inflammation of small pouches that form in the colon wall, which typically causes abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and constipation. He confirmed that a follow-up health checkup conducted a few months ago found the condition had been fully resolved. He has since returned to a normal diet and maintained a consistent routine of regular exercise.
When reporters asked whether he relied on any ongoing maintenance medication, Marcos acknowledged he takes prescription drugs to manage two common chronic conditions: gout and high blood pressure.
Since taking office in mid-2022, Marcos has navigated a steady stream of high-stakes, complex political and societal challenges. His presidency has been tested by escalating territorial tensions with Beijing over disputed claims in the South China Sea, a string of devastating natural disasters including deadly earthquakes, destructive typhoons, and widespread flooding, persistent national economic headwinds, fractured public relations with his own vice president, and a high-profile corruption scandal involving top allies and senior legislators that has triggered widespread public anger.