Lawyer to Roque: Disclose basis for saying President is 88% healthy

MANILA, Philippines — The lawyer who wants access to health records of President Rodrigo Duterte has challenged presidential spokesman Harry Roque to show the basis for his statement that the President’s health is at 88-percent.

Letter of Atty. Dino de Leon to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque

“As the mouthpiece of the President, it is presumed that your declarations have both factual and legal basis,” Atty. Dino De Leon said in his letter to Roque that was received by Malacañang on July 16.

“As you are aware, nothing short is expected from you, considering that you hold a very high position in government and your office is a public trust,” he said.

He reminded Roque that since the public is worried about the President, his statements on the issue of the President’s health are being watched.

“In light of the importance of the President’s health to the public, as well as the People’s right to be assured that the statements of the Presidential Spokesperson are accurate, I respectfully request that you provide the public with that basis of your conclusion that the President is 88% healthy,” he said.

De Leon said he is looking forward to Roque’s prompt response pursuant to Republic Act  6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards on Public Officials and Employees specifically Section 5 (a) which requires public officials and employees to act promptly on letters and requests within fifteen (15) working days upon receipt.

The high court earlier dismissed de Leon’s petition calling for the disclosure of Duterte’s health records.

De Leon went to the SC after his Freedom of Information (FOI) Request for access to the President’s health records, was denied.

Roque earlier said the President’s physical health is at “88 percent” just like any 75-year-old but continues to dispense a usually heavy presidential workload under enhanced security measures designed as protection from the coronavirus.

EDV