Manila: Philippines’ Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Filipinos need not be alarmed over the status of President Rodrigo Duterte’s health, saying that he does not see any visible indication that the 73-year-old leader is seriously ill.
“Just like anyone, and considering his age at that, he gets tired but that is understandable,” Duque, who had also served before in the same capacity during the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, said.
In a report by radio station dzMM, Duque said while the President appeared to be losing weight, he showed no signs of weakening.
On Friday, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque admitted that the President had been undergoing examinations for possible illness while similarly pointing out that the palace will come out with a medical bulletin on the status of the leader’s health in the coming days to dispel doubts.
Last Thursday, Duterte hinted his concerns over his health in a speech. He said he is currently undergoing medical examinations to ascertain a “growth” found in his stomach.
“About three weeks ago, I had my endoscopy and colonoscopy,” the President told his audience while explaining that he had to take the day off on Wednesday for another test, at the Cardinal Santos Medical Centre in San Juan.
“So it got worse. I don’t know where I’m now physically, but I would tell you that ... if it’s cancer, it’s cancer. And if it’s third stage, no more treatment. I will not prolong my agony in this office or anywhere,” he said.
“At this point, I cannot really tell if I have a serious illness. But what I have is Barrett’s oesophagus. This has been bothering me,” the President added.
Barret’s oesophagus is a medical condition involving an irritated lining of the food tube; an endoscopy and colonoscopy are done to test it.
On Saturday, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged Filipinos to pray for the President’s health.
“Its sad news, the medical findings, and we would like to really pray for our President that he would be recovering from this found illness,” CBCP Archbishop Romulo Valles said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas.
“We would pray for him that he would be back to his health so that he can run the affairs of the country,” Valles said, while urging other Filipinos to do the same for the President as well.
Last Saturday, the President — in an apparent gesture implying that everything is normal concerning his health — sneaked for an unscheduled trip to Hong Kong for a weekend break with his live-in partner Honeylet Avecena and daughter Kitty.
The President’s special assistant, Cristopher “Bong” Go, who also came together in the trip, took photos of the escapade.
“Before we’re are beaten in reporting this event by fake news, the President took a break (for some relaxation),” Go said in his Facebook post, adding that the entourage will return to the Philippines by Sunday.
Despite reports over his condition, the President continues with his normal busy schedule, and plans to visit Kuwait for an official trip within the month.
