Lacson says Duterte should make his medical records public 

Senator Panfilo Lacson said President Rodrigo Duterte should make his medical records public, following the chief executive’s statements that he was suffering from migraine and spinal problems. 

At a media briefing Thursday, Lacson said Duterte’s state of health is a “national concern.” 

“He should [release his medical records] because nagpahiwatig nang ganun. All the more that the public should be informed ano ba state ng health of the President kasi kung meron talagang sakit, sabihin talaga kung ano yung ailment,” Lacson said. 

While the law provides a clear rule in succession, Lacson said Duterte was elected by the majority of voters to finish his six-year term. 

“Siya ung binoto and he should be there until the end of his term pero kung nagkakaroon ng statement na issue may sakit at di makakatapos [ng term], ano ba yun? Premonition?” Lacson said. 

“So we should also be worried,” he stressed. 

Duterte earlier said that he may not “be around” by the time his term finishes in 2022. 

Duterte also previously said he has several health issues, including migraine and a spinal problem. 

Duterte said he combats the pain by pushing a nerve just below his ear. He said he used to take Fentanyl, which is used to treat patients with chronic pain or manage pain after surgery. 

While he revealed he has Barrett's esophagus and Buerger's disease, Duterte denied that he had cancer.

"I have, might as well tell you about my medical history. Don’t believe in cancer," he said.

Barrett's esophagus, according to Mayo Clinic "is associated with an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer."

Buerger's disease, meanwhile, "is a rare disease of the arteries and veins in the arms and legs."

Malacañang, for its part, said Duterte's physical aches were part of being a senior citizen.

"He is doing very well. And whatever pains he’s experiencing, is basically as the doctors would say, basically wear and tear," Abella said at a news conference in Cambodia. — RSJ, GMA News