Malacañang on Wednesday pushed back against criticism from former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque over President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent run inside the Palace grounds, saying it is “better to run a few meters than run from the law.”
Palace press officer Claire Castro defended the president’s actions, saying Marcos was simply showing he is in good health amid circulating rumors.
“For the president, he just wants to show his health to those who love him and to the people. This is to put aside the lies that are currently circulating against him,” Castro said.
“Running is not bad. It is better to run a few meters than to run from the hands of law,” she added, taking a jab at Roque, who is currently in the Netherlands amid legal cases in the Philippines.
Castro also recalled how Roque and former presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella had defended former President Rodrigo Duterte when questions about his health surfaced during his term, including opposing calls to release medical records.
The remarks came after Roque said it would be better for Marcos to release a medical bulletin instead of staging what he described as a stunt.
On Monday, Marcos performed jumping jacks and ran a short distance from the New Executive Building within the Malacañang compound to demonstrate his fitness. He also challenged critics spreading rumors about his health to join him in exercising.
The president was previously hospitalized in January due to diverticulitis but has since said he is recovering well.
