The Malacañang Palace on Sunday reassured the public that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is in the "green of health," despite rising concerns about the iron-hand leader's true health status.
According to local news outlet Philippine Star, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte continues to do his job well despite his health issues and a hectic schedule packed with meetings and activities.
Panelo admitted that while Duterte still has health struggles, he said the Filipino president's problems are similar to what elderly people have. He added that the president's schedule has not yet changed despite the bodily issues he has to overcome.
Duterte is scheduled to travel to South Korea this month for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit. So far, this part of his schedule has not been moved or changed.
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go also told reporters that Duterte needs more rest due to his muscle spasms. He revealed that the president has received prescriptions for pain as well. Go is a long-time aide to Duterte, even before the latter wathe s elected into presidency in 2016.
The comments of two people directly working with Duterte came after the president himself admitted on Friday that old age is starting to have its impact on his health.
Channel News Asia reported that Duterte told the media under GMA News that he is experiencing health issues because of his age. If you ask me ... 'Are you in the best of health?' Of course not," he said.
Furthermore, the Philippine president said, "Life has begun to take its toll on my health." This is the first time Duterte spoke straightforwardly about his condition, analysts pointed out.
Due to the recent revelations about the Filipino leader's health status, there have been speculations and debates on whether or not he is still capable of leading the country, especially after he passed down his anti-drug campaign to Vice President Leni Robredo.
It is worth noting that Robredo has long been vocal about her criticism of Duterte's anti-narcotics crackdown. Robredo repeatedly questioned the processes under the campaign and how many lives have been lost due to the crackdown.
Last month, Duterte's trip to Japan was cut short due to "unbearable pain" from his hip area. According to Nikkei Asian Review, the president was spotted using a cane during the enthronement ceremony of Japanese Emperor Naruhito.
Duterte was also seen grimacing, appearing to hide the pain. He then decided to head home to the Philippines. His hip pain was attributed to a motorcycle accident in mid-October where he lost balance while riding and fell.
