MANILA, Philippines, April 16, 2026 — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lifted a 10-kilo sack of rice during an aid distribution in Manila on April 16, 2026, quipping “Sino’ng may sakit?” in response to ongoing rumors about his health. The gesture was part of the government’s “Biyayang Bigas” program, which aims to provide rice assistance to thousands of workers and families affected by rising commodity prices.

Marcos personally led the rollout of the rice distribution at SM City Manila, where thousands of beneficiaries received 10 kilos of rice each. The event was designed to highlight the administration’s commitment to food security and its broader goal of ensuring that “no Filipino goes hungry” by the end of his term.

The President’s decision to lift the rice sack was widely interpreted as a direct response to speculation about his health condition. Since January, Marcos has faced rumors after being diagnosed with diverticulitis, a condition involving inflammation of small pouches in the colon. He previously assured the public that he was recovering under the care of “a team of excellent doctors.”

During the event, Marcos dismissed the speculation with humor, asking the crowd, “Sino’ng may sakit?” as he carried the rice bag. The moment was captured on video and quickly circulated on social media, with supporters praising his show of strength and critics questioning whether the move was staged to counter health concerns.

The “Biyayang Bigas” program is part of the administration’s broader anti-poverty initiatives, targeting urban workers and vulnerable communities struggling with high food costs. Officials said the program will continue in other parts of the country, with rice distributions scheduled in provinces hardest hit by inflation.

Interior Minister Eduardo Año emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s priority to address hunger. “This is about ensuring that every Filipino family has food on the table,” he said, noting that the program is expected to expand nationwide in the coming months.

The rice distribution comes at a time when transport strikes and rising fuel prices have added pressure on household budgets. Analysts say the government’s food aid programs are crucial in cushioning the impact of inflation, though long-term solutions will require structural reforms in agriculture and energy.

Marcos reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling hunger, stressing that the rice program is only one part of a larger effort. “We will continue to find ways to support our people, especially those most affected by rising costs,” he said.

The President’s public show of strength and his remarks at the event have temporarily quieted health rumors, but observers note that questions about his condition may persist. For now, the focus remains on the government’s pledge to deliver food security and relief to struggling Filipino families.

The “Biyayang Bigas” rollout in Manila marks a significant step in the administration’s campaign against hunger, while Marcos’s symbolic gesture of lifting the rice sack underscores both his political messaging and his response to public speculation about his health.

Image from RTVM