Palace: Duterte remains ‘fit and healthy for his age’

Proof of life. President Rodrigo Duterte with Senator Bong Go

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday assured the public that President Rodrigo Duterte remains “fit and healthy” for his age amid speculations on the President’s health after he canceled his regular public address twice this week.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte remains fit and healthy for his age and we thank the Filipino people for voicing their concern and wishing the Chief Executive’s strength and good health during this time of COVID-19 pandemic as he continues to discharge his functions as head of the government,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Filipinos took to social media on Wednesday night their speculations as to the absence of the President from the public eye, making the #NasaanAngPangulo trending on Twitter.

The President’s last public appearance was on March 29 where he welcomed the arrival of one million procured vaccines from China’s Sinovac BioTech.

His regular public address “Talk to the People” was twice canceled this week.

Roque earlier explained that the President would not deliver his regular address “in light of the rising number of active COVID-19 cases.” His public address will instead be rescheduled next week.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, who is Duterte’s long time aide, earlier said the President’s public address was postponed after 45 members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) tested positive for COVID-19.

The senator also shared photos on Wednesday night showing him and the President seated across each other to prove that the chief executive is alive and well.

/MUF