President Duterte is prepared to follow his doctor’s advice, even if it includes changing his work schedule, to ease the “excruciating pain” in his spinal column, Malacañang said yesterday.
The President is expected to see a neurologist for consultation yesterday after complaining of spinal pain following a recent motorcycle mishap.
“Siguro depende iyon sa magiging advice ng doktor. Kung sabihin na huwag kang masyadong maglalalabas o maggagagalaw, siguro mababago ang schedule niya,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said when asked about any changes in the President’s schedule.
“Pero kung wala namang sinabi, tuloy pa rin. Alam mo naman si Presidente, kita mo naman nagpunta kaagad sa wake of the late Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr.,” he added.
Asked if the President is a good boy when it comes to obeying doctor’s advice, Panelo said: “Ah oo. Parang ako rin iyon. Ako masunurin sa mga doktor eh. Masunurin iyon sa doktor.”
Sen. Bong Go yesterday disclosed that Duterte underwent a Magnetic Resonance Imaging test which showed that his pain was caused by muscle spasms. He did not disclose what hospital Duterte had the MRI
Go added there is nothing to worry about the President.
The former presidential aide said although advised by doctors that Duterte should rest for the whole week after coming back from Japan last Tuesday night, the Chief Executive would work and still receive visitors at Malacañang.
The President returned to Manila Tuesday night after cutting short his visit to Japan where he attended the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito.
Duterte was supposed to stay in Tokyo until Thursday but felt “unbearable pain” in his spinal column near the pelvic bone from a motorcycle fall and decided to go home early.
As soon as he landed in Manila, the President managed to visit the wake of former Senate President Pimentel Jr. in Taguig City to pay his last respects.
Panelo said the President told him about his plans to see a neurologist after experiencing “excruciating and searing pain” in his spinal column during his Tokyo visit.
Duterte was brushing his teeth Tuesday morning when he felt the pain. He then told Panelo about the need for a cane to assist him in his walk.
“Sabi niya, ‘I had even to lean yung knees ko kasi parang matutumba ako kung hindi ako mag-lean so that’s why I have to bring a cane para to assist me pagbaba ko sa hotel, papunta doon sa kotse, hanggang sa pagbaba ko doon sa enthronement pero hindi ko dinala,'” Panelo said, recalling his conversation with the President.
Panelo noted the President appeared feeling slightly better Tuesday night since he was able to attend the wake of Pimentel but still using a cane.
“Medyo okay naman iyong kahapon eh. In fact, hindi ba nakarating pa siya sa wake ni Sen. Pimentel, mayroon lang siyang cane,” he said. (Genalyn Kabiling)