Palace: Colonoscopy, endoscopy part of Duterte’s routine check-up

Malacañang on Monday reiterated that President Rodrigo Duterte remains healthy even as he admitted having undergone certain medical procedures recently.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the pronouncement following Duterte’s admission on Friday that he underwent endoscopy and colonoscopy a week ago.

“I think that’s routine,” Roque said. “Sinabi naman ng Presidente na talagang nagpapaganyan siyang test regularly. So routine naman po iyan, nothing extraordinary (The President said he takes those tests regularly. So it’s routine check-up, nothing extraordinary),” Roque said.

“Sinabi po niya na pareho siyang nagpaganon pero iisa naman po iyan (He said he underwent both tests but the tests were actually similar). That’s for intestinal-related diseases,” he added.

Endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure to examine a person’s digestive track. Colonoscopy, meanwhile, is a procedure that checks if there are abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum.

Roque also assured the public that Duterte will disclose if he is suffering from any serious illness as mandated by the Constitution.

“You know, to him, it was so routine na (that) he has no qualms about telling everyone, the whole world that he had it. And so I think human nature naman niya na, it’s no big deal to disclose it,” he said.

“The President is transparent. ‘Yung mama nga ilang beses nang sinabi na gusto na niyang iwanan ang posisyon niya (He even said many times that he wants to give up his position). He will not cling on (to Presidency) if he’s dying or very gravely ill,” he added.

Critics have repeatedly questioned the President’s health. /ee

READ: Duterte sick? Not according to his hectic schedule – Palace

READ: Duterte admits undergoing colonoscopy, endoscopy; Palace says ‘he’s fine’