President Duterte will take a three-day rest from his “punishing” work schedule starting today, Malacañang announced yesterday, following the Chief Executive’s recent bout of back pain.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea will serve as government caretaker while the President takes a respite from work.
“Ang alam ko Tuesday bukas ang start ng kanyang pahinga…mga three days,” Panelo said.
The President’s three-day rest will be made “upon the advice of friends, of colleagues, and the world scene, and mostly likely upon the advice of doctors to take a respite from his punishing schedule,” according to Panelo.
Panelo said there was no need for the President to take a leave of absence from work, adding Duterte will just rest at home in Davao City.
Asked if there was a medical concern about the President, Panelo said: “Wala naman.”
He admitted though that Duterte’s problem seems to be lack of sleep. He told Duterte that he looks well-rested whenever he gets an eight-hour sleep.
Duterte has been diagnosed with muscle spasm after complaining of unbearable pain in his spinal column believed to be caused by a motorcycle fall. His back pain forced him to cut short his visit to Japan last month.
The President’s back pain has considerably eased following some rest and medication, according to Malacañang. Amid improving health condition, Duterte even pushed through with his visit to Thailand for a regional summit from Nov. 1 to 4. (Genalyn Kabiling)