AFTER suffering a fall that caused him to cut short his trip to Tokyo, Japan this week, President Duterte took another motorcycle for a spin inside the Malacañang compound, his long-time aide said yesterday.
A photo by Sen. Bong Go showed Duterte riding what appeared to be a Can-Am Ryker. He said the President took out the motorcycle for a 10-minute ride around the Presidential Security Group compound.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte rode the motorcycle for an exercise.
“He decided to ride in that motorcycle for a few minutes. Parang exercise. ‘Yun lang. ‘Yun lang yun,” he said yesterday. “Hindi naman bawal. If you would notice, that is a three-wheeled motorcycle. So walang kaproble-problema. Hindi sesemplang ‘yun. Sinubukan niya lang,” he added.
The Palace official also said that Duterte did not need to consult a doctor before hopping on the motorcycle, saying the President would not do it if it was not safe for him. “Siguro natanong niya na ‘yun. Otherwise, hindi niya gagawin. Masunurin ‘yan, eh. Masunurin sa doctor,” Panelo said.
Duterte Wednesday night last week figured in a minor motorcycle accident after riding a big bike around the Malago Compound.
Panelo had earlier said that there is no need for the President to see a doctor because he only suffered minor injuries. The President even proceeded to an event in Manila the following night.
Last Tuesday, Duterte was in Japan to attend the enthronement of new Japanese Emperor Naruhito. However, Duterte had to skip the banquet after the enthronement due to the “unbearable” pain he was feeling.
In a Facebook live video, Duterte admitted that he was feeling pain but said that he would continue riding motorcycles because it was normal for motorcycle enthusiasts like him to fall from their beloved vehicle once in a while.
Upon his return to Manila, Duterte saw a doctor who advised him to limit his physical activities and take a rest.
However, Malacañang said Duterte would continue with his local and foreign engagements. Duterte is set to attend the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Bangkok, Thailand next week. (Argyll Geducos)
