MANILA, Philippines — The presidency has drained President Rodrigo Duterte both mentally and physically, his long-time aide said, but added that the Chief Executive is still in “good condition” to finish his term.
“During his presidency, talagang piniga siya. Ibig sabihin, mentally, physically and health wise, talagang piniga,” Senator Christopher “Bong” Go told reporters after the opening ceremony for the Center for Thoracic and Critical Care Medicine at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) in San Juan City on Thursday.
(During his presidency, he was really drained. Mentally, physically, health wise, he was drained.)
“Kapag isa kang Pangulo, talagang pipigain ka talaga. It’s a thankless job pero no regret po si Pangulo dahil ito na ang huling chapter ng kanyang buhay, ibinuhos na nya sa Pilipino. So kahit na medyo… humihina na, at his age, 77 years old… tuloy pa rin ang kanyang pagseserbisyo,” he added.
(If you’re a President, it will really take a toll on you. It’s a thankless job but the President has no regrets because this is the final chapter of his life, he gave it all for the Filipino people. So even if he is slightly weakened at 77, he continues to serve.)
President Duterte and Sen. Bong go on an aerial inspection in Bula, Camarines Sur. (Photo courtesy of Sen. Bong Go)
Go then assured that Duterte remains fit to finish his term.
“Physically (fit) to finish his term? Oo, kaya pa and beyond. Oo, in good condition,” he said, thanking the President’s doctors for taking care of his health.
(Physically (fit) to finish his term? Yes, he can and beyond. Yes, he is in good condition.)
Go also addressed previous reports of Duterte visiting CSMC, saying there was nothing to worry about the President’s health.
“Yung nabalitaan n’yong pumunta dito, normal po na pupunta dito ang Pangulo because 77 years old (na siya). Kailangan na pong magpa-check up,” said Go.
(The reports that he went to this hospital, it’s normal for him to visit because he is already 77 years old. He needs to undergo a checkup.)
“Kaya inaalagaan po ng Cardinal Santos ang ating Pangulo. Lahat ng mga doktor natin dito, especially Dra. Agnes (del Rosario) po, inalagaan talaga nila si Pangulo and with that, nakapagpatuloy po ang ating Pangulo sa kanyang tungkulin bilang Presidente,” he added.
(That’s why Cardinal Santos is taking care of our President. All doctors here, especially Dr. Agnes del Rosario are taking care of the President and with that, our President continues to perform his duties.)
(Photo courtesy of Sen. Bong Go)
In February, Duterte underwent a routine medical checkup in the said hospital after he ended his quarantine following his exposure to a COVID-19 positive staff.
Go was also asked regarding Duterte’s preferred presidential candidate. The senator maintained having no knowledge of who the President intends to endorse.
Duterte has earlier declared that he is not supporting any candidate in the May 9 elections except for his daughter, vice presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.