President Rodrigo Roa Duterte holds a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City on August 24, 2020. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte remains in good health and is not suffering from any serious ailments, his long-time aide and now Senator Christopher “Bong” Go assured Wednesday amid concerns about the chief executive’s medical condition.
In a pre-recorded public address aired on Tuesday, the President said that his Barrett’s esophagus condition was worsening and that his doctor had warned him to watch his diet as it may progress to stage 1 cancer.
READ: Nearing stage 1 cancer? Palace says doctor’s advice to Duterte given long ago
“Mas malakas pa sa kalabaw ang Pangulo kung magtrabaho para sa kapakanan ng lahat ng mga Pilipino,” Go said in a statement.
(The President is stronger than a buffalo as he works for the welfare of every Filipino.)
“Pero ikonsidera rin natin ang edad ng ating Pangulo. Sino ba namang tao na 75 years old na ang walang nararamdamang sakit sa katawan?” he added.
(But let us also consider the President’s age. Who at the age of 75 doesn’t feel any pain or illness in their body?)
The President’s movements, however, have been restrictive because of his old age and his vulnerability to COVID-19 infection, according to Go.
“Naisin man ni Tatay Digong na mabisita at makasama ang taumbayan dahil ito na ang kanyang nakasanayang gawin, sa ngayon ay hindi niya po ito magawa dahil marami pong bawal,” he added.
(As much as Duterte wants to visit and to be with the public because that is what he’s used to, he can’t do that for now because there are many restrictions.)
Further, Go said the President opts to leave his health condition to “God’s will.”
“Meron s’yang ugali na ipapasa-Diyos na lang ang lahat, lalo na pagdating sa kanyang sariling kapakanan. Parati n’yang sinasabi na ‘Kung panahon mo na, panahon mo na. It is all according to God’s will’,” the senator said.
(He is leaving it all up to God, especially when it comes to his well-being. He’s always saying, “When it’s your time, it’s your time. It is all according to God’s will.”)
He said the 75-year-old President continues to do his best in the performance of his duties despite his age.
“Having known the President for a long time, I know how much he loves to serve and he is willing to die for his country,” he said.
“I urge my fellow Filipinos to cooperate and stay united in our efforts to overcome this crisis. Magbayanihan po tayo at patuloy na magmalasakit sa kapwa (Let us stand together and continue to care for one another),” he added.