Malacañang yesterday assured world leaders that President Duterte is in good condition following the Chief Executive’s decision to cut short his visit to Tokyo, Japan last week due to a minor motorcycle incident which caused his muscle spasms.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo made the assurance after fellow Southeast Asian leaders Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah expressed concern about Duterte’s health.
Panelo reiterated that there was nothing to worry about Duterte’s medical condition.
“We assure them, the President assures them, and as (Davao City) Mayor Sara (Duterte) who represented the President, assured them na okay ang Presidente,” he said.
“Hindi siya gumagawa ng anumang hakbangin na makakadagdag sa kanyang karamdaman. Siya ay nagpapagamot,” he added.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. had said both Widodo and Bolkiah expressed concern about Duterte’s health when he met them in Jakarta, Indonesia last week.
“First thing both told me was concern for their good friend President Duterte. Assured them he was fine and fitter than I am, which I admit is not saying much,” Locsin said in a tweet.
Panelo also said Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzō, new Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and even Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko wished Duterte a speedy recovery.
He added that Myanmar’s State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi said that Duterte must be reminded that he was no longer a young lad and must avoid activities such as riding big motorbikes. (Argyll Geducos)
