Duterte in hospital? It’s fake news, says Palace

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. (ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

Malacañang branded as “fake news” rumors that President Rodrigo Duterte was rushed to the hospital after his third State of the Nation Address (Sona) last Monday.

“There is no truth to the rumors that the president was rushed to the hospital. It is ‘tsismis’, it is fake news. The President is fine,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press briefing in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay Province on Thursday.

Roque said Duterte only went to the hospital for a medical check-up on Sunday night, the day before he delivered his Sona at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

“Although he went for a regular check-up night before the Sona. He has not been to any medical facilities since,” Roque insisted.

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The Palace official warned that it is a crime to spread such news, adding that the President will “belie all these false reports” as he is set to attend the 69th Ataw ng Ipil celebration on Thursday afternoon.

“It is, in fact, a crime to spread this kind of news. There is no truth to these rumors and he will, in fact, be here in Ipil to lead the celebration for Araw ng Ipil. His appearance will belie all these false reports,” he said. Syrah Vivien Inocencio, INQUIRER.net intern