MANILA, Philippines– President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joked at a Malacañang holiday gathering on Dec. 23, that if relatives call attendees fat during Christmas reunions, they should respond with “ikaw din” (“you too”).
Speaking to guests at the Palace’s year-end celebration, Marcos used the quip to poke fun at common family interactions, delivering it in Filipino to draw laughter. The remark was part of his informal holiday message and came without any policy announcements.
The Office of the President shared excerpts of his comments, which circulated on local media and social media during the Christmas season. Reporters noted the joke while covering the event, and the Palace did not provide further explanation.