The Supreme Court of the Philippines has ordered President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Executive Secretary Ralph Recto to comment on a petition seeking to compel the chief executive to undergo a hair follicle drug test and comprehensive medical examination, amid renewed but unsubstantiated allegations about his health and alleged drug use.
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court of the Philippines en banc has directed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Executive Secretary Ralph Recto to respond to a petition urging the chief executive to undergo a hair follicle drug test and other medical examinations over long-running but unproven allegations of illegal drug use.
In a petition for mandamus dated April 15, former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, along with Virgilio Garcia, Juan Raña, and Raymundo Junia, asked the high court to compel the president to submit to a comprehensive physical and mental examination, including a hair follicle test.
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The respondents named in the petition are Marcos Jr. and Recto.
According to the Supreme Court Public Information Office, the tribunal, without necessarily giving due course to the petition, ordered the respondents to file their comment within a non-extendible period of 10 days from receipt of notice.
The petitioners cited previous statements made by Senator Imee Marcos, the president’s sister, who has aligned herself with the rival Duterte faction, regarding what she described as the president’s supposed “long-standing addiction to illegal drugs.”
They also invoked provisions of the 1987 Constitution, arguing that the public has the right to be informed about the president’s state of health in cases of serious illness.
“The petitioners are of the general observation that the respondent president is in a bad if not worsening state of physical and mental health,” the filing stated.
The petition further pointed to a recent public appearance in which Marcos performed jumping jacks and a brief jog before members of the media. While intended to demonstrate fitness, the petitioners claimed the president appeared “flustered and out of breath” after the short burst of physical activity.
The Supreme Court’s directive requires only that the respondents comment on the petition at this stage. The high court has yet to determine whether it will give the petition due course.
Voters File Petition Asking Supreme Court to Require Marcos Health Tests, Public Disclosure of Results
A group of Filipino voters and taxpayers has filed a petition before the Supreme Court, asking the highest court in the land to order President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to take physical and mental health tests and share the full results with the public.
Filed on April 15, 2026, the case is brought by Pantaleon Alvarez, Virgilio Garcia, Juan Rana, and Raymundo Junia. They filed the legal action called a Petition for Mandamus, which is used to compel government officials to do their legal duties.
Why they filed the case
The petitioners point to provisions in the 1987 Constitution. One rule states that if the President becomes seriously ill, the public must be informed about his health status. Another provision guarantees the people’s right to know matters of public concern. They argue that these rules exist not just to stop rumors, but to make sure the government works properly and that citizens are sure the country’s leader is fit to serve.
According to the group, concerns grew after March 24, 2026, when a national state of emergency was declared due to rising fuel prices caused by conflicts abroad. Around that time, they said they noticed changes in the President’s public appearances including slurred speech, confusing statements, and signs of physical weakness. Local media also reported rumors that he had been hospitalized for undisclosed health issues, but no official statement or medical report was released to confirm or deny these claims, leaving the public worried and confused.
The petition also references a past statement made by Senator Imee Marcos, the President’s sister, during a political gathering in November 2025, where she mentioned issues related to drug use involving the President and his wife. The group notes that drug use can affect a person’s thinking, judgment, and decision-making skills—qualities that are critical for someone holding the highest office in the country.
They added that during a recent public event meant to show he was healthy, the President only did a few jumping jacks and a short jog, yet appeared tired and out of breath afterward. They say this performance was far from proof that he is physically and mentally capable of handling his heavy duties.
What they are asking for
The petitioners want the Supreme Court to order the President to undergo full physical and mental check-ups, including a drug test using hair samples. They say he can choose his own doctor or medical facility. Most importantly, they want the complete findings from these tests made available to the public, so everyone can be sure he is fit to make decisions, lead the country, and handle the challenges of the ongoing national emergency.
They also named Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto as a respondent in the case, as part of the government leadership that holds responsibility for such matters.
Legal basis
In their filing, the group explained that the President holds wide-ranging powers—from leading the executive branch and the military to making key decisions on foreign policy and national security. Because of this, his health is not just a personal matter but a concern that affects every Filipino. They stressed that public office is a public trust, and leaders must always be answerable to the people.
They also argued that the Supreme Court has the authority to hear the case, since it involves matters of national importance and the protection of constitutional rights, which are considered exceptions to usual court procedures.
For now, the Supreme Court will review the petition and decide whether to proceed with the case and issue the order being requested.
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