Duterte breaks silence on migraine attack

(Updated) Presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte stayed overnight at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan on Thursday after suffering from migraine.

Speaking to reporters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 2, Duterte said he had migraine due to heat and low resistance.

He said he forgot to take his maintenance medicine.

Duterte has been active in attending forums and campaign sorties since the start of the official campaign period last February 9.

Duterte kicked off his proclamation rally in Tondo, Manila then attended a series of speaking events in Cagayan the next day.

On Thursday, Duterte was expected to speak before the Society of Hypertension and Philippine Lipid and Atherosclerosis Society at Crowne Plaza Hotel but had to cancel it because he was not feeling well.
He suffered migraine after arriving at his speaking engagement in Ortigas, Pasig City.

READ: Rigid campaign schedule caused Duterte migraine, says aide

Duterte arrived at the venue with his staff and security but while walking toward the venue, he seemed to be in pain and leaned on a wall. He later walked quickly back to his holding room.

On Thursday night, the camp of Duterte told reporters that he had already flown to Davao City.

But Duterte admitted that he instructed his staff to say that so the media would not rush to his hospital.

The mayor will fly to Davao Friday afternoon ahead of his campaign sortie in Mindanao.

His spokesperson, however, said that he is expected to skip some of his engagements after the health emergency, and following the advice of his doctor.

READ: Duterte to take things easy a day after experiencing migraine

Duterte said he was diagnosed with acute bronchitis, adding that he has been taking antibiotics.

In past speaking engagements, Duterte has said that he has Barrett’s esophagus and Buerger’s disease caused by the inflammation of a blood vessel triggered by smoking.

The tough-talking mayor, however, allayed the fears of his supporters, saying there is nothing to worry about his health condition. IDL