MALACANANG announced on Thursday that it will respect and comply with the Supreme Court’s directive requiring President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to answer a petition demanding the disclosure of his medical records.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that the administration will submit the required response within the period set by the High Tribunal.
The Supreme Court, in its resolution Wednesday, ordered the President and Executive Secretary Ralph Recto to file their comment within 10 days from receipt of the notice, a deadline that cannot be extended.
\The order was issued without giving due course to the petition, effectively treating it as a procedural step to hear the side of the respondents before deciding whether to proceed with the case.
The legal action was filed by former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and other petitioners, who are seeking a writ of mandamus to compel the chief executive to undergo physical and mental examinations, including a hair follicle drug test. They specifically want the results to be made public to confirm his fitness to discharge the powers and duties of the highest office of the land.
This development comes as the President has consistently maintained that he is in good health and has denied allegations that he is suffering from severe illness. With the High Court now formally requiring a response, the Palace is set to tackle the legal and constitutional issues raised regarding the disclosure of the President’s health status and medical fitness.
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