DAVAO CITY — Vice President Sara Duterte gave a brief response to questions surrounding the health of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying “good luck” when asked about circulating online discussions.

“Good luck sa kaniya (Good luck to him),” she said.

Duterte made the remark on the sidelines of the 84th commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan at the Veterans Memorial Monument in Davao City, according to a media report.

She did not elaborate further on her statement.

Earlier, Marcos dismissed concerns about his condition, assuring the public that he remains in good health and urging them to disregard social media claims.

“I am back to my regular routine for the last three months. Patuloy ang aking ginagawa—watching my health, making sure that I am always ready to work,” the President said.

His statement came amid ongoing online speculation, which officials from Malacañang have also addressed.

In a separate ambush interview, Duterte emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices of Filipino soldiers but expressed concern over the country’s current state.

“Kailangan maalala ng ating mga anak ‘yung sakripisyo ng mga sundalo para tayo ay mabuhay nang mapayapa dito sa ating bansa pero sabi ko nga kanina doon sa aking speech, sadly, the state of the nation has failed the Filipino soldiers,” she said.

“Nakikita ninyo,there’s an absence of an independent foreign policy framework para sa ating bayan,” she added.

(Our children must remember the sacrifices of soldiers so we can live peacefully in our country. But as I said earlier in my speech, sadly, the state of the nation has failed the Filipino soldiers. As you can see, there is an absence of an independent foreign policy framework for our country.)

She also questioned whose interests are being upheld under current policies.

“Hindi mo na alam kung kaninong interes ba talaga ang pinoprotektahan ng ating mga kasundaluhan.”

(You no longer know whose interests our armed forces are truly protecting.)

The Vice President further raised concerns over what she described as a resurgence of insurgency in various areas, including the recruitment of youth into the New People’s Army, as well as developments in the Bangsamoro region, which she said indicate a weakening peace process.

The annual observance of Araw ng Kagitingan commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of Filipino and allied forces during World War II, particularly those who fought in the Battle of Bataan.

Duterte said the occasion should serve not only as a remembrance of past heroism but also as a reminder to address current issues affecting national security and the welfare of Filipino soldiers.