Duterte seeking medical treatment in Israel? Not true, says Bong Go

JERUSALEM – There is no truth to speculations that one of the reasons for President Rodrigo Duterte’s trip to Israel was to seek medical treatment due to his supposed deteriorating health condition, his trusted aide said on Monday.

“There is no truth to it. I assure you he is in tip-top condition,” Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go told reporters here.

“He can finish his term up to 2022 and live beyond,” Go added.

Magadalo Rep. Gary Alejano earlier claimed that Duterte’s trip to Israel, the first for a sitting Philippine President, was intended for medical reasons.

Speculations surfaced that the President has a serious kidney problem and is undergoing dialysis. The President has repeatedly denied these allegations.

Go said he would just pray for the ill-wishers of the President.

“Those who speak or think ill of him, I will just pray for you here in Jerusalem. Jesus is on our side always,” he said.   /vvp