Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque hit back at Malacañang, saying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has a duty to disclose his true health condition to the public instead of staging what he described as “running antics.”
Roque said transparency on the President’s health is an obligation, especially if the condition is serious, stressing that public office demands accountability to the people.
“May obligasyon ang Pangulo na ipaalam sa taumbayan ang tunay niyang kalagayan sa kalusugan, lalo na kung ito ay seryoso. Hindi ito pabor—tungkulin ito sa publiko na pinaglilingkuran niya,” he said.
He also rejected comparisons with former President Rodrigo Duterte, saying the analogy has no basis and pointing to Duterte’s style of direct communication and transparency during his time in office.
“At tigilan na ang paghahambing kay Duterte. Walang basehan ‘yan… Hindi perpekto, pero hindi nagkubli,” he said.
Roque further questioned the President’s declining trust and approval ratings, linking it to public perception of corruption and governance issues.
“The President has a duty—not a favor—to disclose his true health condition to the public… Public office demands transparency,” he added.
He also criticized what he described as selective silence from the administration, saying the public deserves full disclosure rather than controlled narratives.
Roque’s remarks came after Malacañang defended Marcos’ recent run inside the Palace grounds, saying it was meant to counter rumors about the President’s health.
