President Duterte is willing to release a medical bulletin about his health in case of serious illness, Malacañang assured the nation Monday.
“The question was whether or not the President should issue a medical bulletin in case of serious illness. The President agrees with that,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said during a Palace press briefing.
“That’s why he informed us of what happened to a medical examination. I don’t think there’s a question on that,” he added.
Panelo made the assurance after several senatorial aspirants, including administration allies, agreed that the President should allow the issuance of medical bulletins on his health. Among those agreed with the public disclosure of Duterte’s health were Senator JV Ejercito, former Presidential political adviser Francis Tolentino and former police chief Ronald dela Rosa.
The Palace however appeared hesitant to release periodic health updates about the President.
“Wala ‘yun. Hindi naman…ano lang naman ‘yun regular examination [That’s nothing. It’s just a regular examination],” he said when asked if there will be regular release of medical bulletins on Duterte’s health.
The President earlier revealed that he has no cancer following his recent medical checkup, fending off speculations about his deteriorating health. He admitted though he was battling with Barrett’s esophagus or a bad case of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The ailment worsened after he began drinking brandy again, he added.
Recently, the President has skipped several public engagements, triggering speculations anew about his health.
But the Palace has repeatedly assured that the President has no serious or life-threatening illness for the constitutional provision to reveal his health condition to apply. Under the Constitution, the public must be informed of the President’s health in case of serious illness. (Genalyn Kabiling)
