MANILA, Philippines — In a direct and physical response to swirling rumors about his deteriorating health, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. surprised journalists on Monday afternoon, April 13, 2026, by performing jumping jacks and challenging them to a jog within the Malacañang complex.
The impromptu display of fitness was aimed at “liars” and “fake news peddlers” who had claimed the 68-year-old leader was incapacitated or gravely ill. Clad in formal office attire and leather shoes, the President even sprinted toward the Palace at the conclusion of his press conference.
The President’s workout followed a 15-minute address where he announced significant news regarding fuel excise tax suspensions.
- The Challenge: “I challenge anyone who is saying that I am sick, that they come and exercise with me. We will see who is stronger,” Marcos told critics.
- The Fitness Routine: He bragged about exercising three to four times a week, using an elliptical machine and lifting weights. He noted that he aims for a heart rate of 130 beats per minute during his sessions.
- Maintenance Meds: When asked about his health maintenance, the President admitted to taking medication for hypertension and gout, the latter of which he jokingly attributed to his “Ilocano blood.”
Concerns about the President’s health intensified in late January 2026 after he temporarily vanished from public view.
- The Diagnosis: Marcos later confirmed in a video message that he had been hospitalized for diverticulitis (inflammation of small pouches in the colon), which he ascribed to stress and age.
- Full Recovery: He informed the press on Monday that his last hospital checkup, which included a CT scan two and a half months ago, showed he was completely cured.
- Imee Marcos’ Claims: The Palace also took the opportunity to officially deny recent insinuations from the President’s elder sister, Senator Imee Marcos, who had claimed he had been sick for months.
The use of physical “proof of life” is a familiar tactic in Malacañang. The President’s predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, famously released photos of himself jogging and riding a motorcycle in 2021 to debunk similar rumors of his demise.
While the President remains tight-lipped about releasing his full medical records—a move often requested by transparency advocates—his sprint across the Palace grounds served as a high-visibility attempt to reassure a public currently burdened by regional conflict and economic instability.