Duterte in ‘peak of his health’ — Palace

President Rodrigo Duterte  —MALACAÑANG PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte is doing “very well” amid concerns about his medical condition, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella downplayed worries about the Duterte’s health status, saying “he’s in the pink of health.”

“The President’s health is very transparent. People ask, ‘Should he have a medical bulletin?’ But actually he’s so transparent about himself. But based on results, I’d just like to stress this… the President seems to be at the peak of his health, considering his schedules,” he said in a Palace briefing.

“Based on results he’s going very, very well. He’s in the pink of health. He actually keeps us updated,” he added.

Abella even said in jest that “sometimes it takes God” to stop Duterte from working, citing his schedule which goes beyond eight hours.

“He goes beyond the mere eight hours, goes to 14, goes to 16 hours, and still keeps going. Sometimes it takes God to stop him,” he said.

Duterte earlier admitted that he used to take fentanyl, often prescribed for cancer pain and other chronic ailments, because of a spinal injury from previous motorcycle accidents.

The President even said that he has four ailments although these are not fatal.

Asked whether the President was again only joking about his health condition, Abella said “Take him seriously but not literally, okay? Unless it is really fully stated.” JE/rga