MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday once again brushed aside speculation about his health during a rice distribution activity in Manila, where he was seen lifting and carrying sacks of rice as he interacted with beneficiaries.
During the event, Marcos personally handled sacks of rice—lifting them one by one and handing them to residents in line—appearing to respond indirectly to circulating claims about his physical condition.
At one point, the President repeatedly raised a sack of rice, almost like a dumbbell, while engaging with the crowd. He also asked in Filipino, “Sinong may sakit?” in a remark seen as a response to critics questioning his health.
The President has previously addressed similar rumors, which intensified after reports of his hospitalization for diverticulitis earlier this year.
The rice distribution activity is part of the government’s ongoing food assistance efforts aimed at supporting low-income families in the capital.
Marcos also reaffirmed his administration’s goal of eradicating hunger in the country before the end of his term, citing continued expansion of social support programs in coordination with local government units.
ia/xf
