Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. brushed off rumors about his health, this time by lifting a 10-kilogram sack of rice during a government distribution program in Manila.
“Sinong may sakit? [Who’s sick?],” the president quipped before the crowd as he hoisted the rice sack during the rollout of the “Biyayang Bigas” program, drawing cheers from beneficiaries.
The move comes just days after Marcos personally confronted the issue in Malacañang, where he challenged critics to work out with him and performed jumping jacks in front of the media.
“I challenge anyone who is saying that I am sick to come and exercise with me. We will see who is stronger,” he said earlier.
He also assured the public that reports about his supposed illness were false.
“To our fellow citizens, what some people are saying — that I am ill — is not true. Those are lies,” he added.
Malacañang has repeatedly denied claims circulating online that the president is seriously ill, including rumors that he had been incapacitated or was suffering from a life-threatening condition.
Marcos, for his part, said he decided to directly address the issue to reassure Filipinos.
“I don’t want people to worry. I don’t want people to think that there’s really a problem,” he said.
Fight vs. fake news
The Presidential Communications Office said it has referred several cases to the Department of Justice involving accounts accused of spreading false claims, including “Iloy Bugris: The Queen of Revelations,” “Rigondola Ping,” and “Crage Anderpal.”
Authorities said the accounts allegedly posted fabricated medical claims, manipulated images, and misleading graphics about the president’s condition as part of an ongoing disinformation campaign online.
