Aquino suffered vertigo during SONA

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Malacañang on Tuesday assured the public that President Benigno Aquino III is in good health after he apologized during his last State of the Nation Address (Sona) for being unable to proceed with the traditional processional walk at the House of Representatives.

“Sa pagkabatid ko naman po ang kanya lang naging concern kahapon ay ‘yung vertigo at ito lang ang dahilan kung bakit dumiretso siya doon sa podium ng House of Representatives,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said during a Palace briefing.

“Maayos naman po ang kanyang overall health condition,” he added.

(Based on my understanding, his only concern yesterday was his vertigo and this was the reason why he went straight to the podium of the House of Representatives. His overall health condition is okay.)

Just before proceeding with his speech, Aquino on Monday told his audience that he was not able to shake the hands of those who were hoping to welcome him because he was not feeling well.

READ: Aquino apologizes for skipping processional walk

The National Health Service of the United Kingdom defines vertigo as a symptom and sensation of loss of balance or the movement or spinning of the surroundings. It is commonly caused by a problem with the way balance works in the inner ear.

Meanwhile, Coloma said the coughing experienced by the President was nothing new, something that they have also observed during previous Sonas.

Aquino is a known smoker though Palace spokespersons have repeatedly said there is nothing wrong with his health.

The President’s health is a cause of concern for the public because of potential political instability in the event of his death.