Opposition solons ask for regular updates on Duterte's health

Opposition lawmakers on Thursday said the status of President Rodrigo Duterte’s health must be disclosed, as he continues to take his “private time,” now on its fourth day.

Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano said Duterte’s lack of public engagements these past few days is “very unusual,” given the ongoing clashes in Marawi City and his imposition of martial law in the whole of Mindanao.

“People cannot help but speculate about the status of [the] President’s health. Malacañang should be forthright in informing the public about this. [The] President’s health is a national security issue,” Alejano, who filed the dismissed impeachment complaint against Duterte, told House reporters in a text message.

Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat echoed this.

“The most plausible explanation for a President going on leave for a week or more is health reasons. So it’s most likely that he had to undergo a medical check-up,” Baguilat said.

“The results have to be disclosed to the public because ever since Cory [Aquino]’s time, a president’s health has been a national concern,” he added.

Alejano and Baguilat are members of the “Magnificent 7” independent minority in the House of Representatives, and were among the petitioners questioning Duterte’s martial law declaration in Mindanao.

Their call came amid Duterte’s notable absence in public eye, which began earlier this week when he skipped the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at Rizal Park for the country’s 119th Independence Day. 

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella on Thursday said Duterte is “well” but just needs time to rest after being “on the road for at least 23 days, fulfilling his martial law supervision.”

Asked about the call for regular updates on Duterte’s health, Abella said such are “usually given at press briefings.”

He added that there is “nothing to worry about in terms of major sickness.”

Asked if The President has consulted a doctor, Abella said he is “not privy” to such information, but added: “I’m sure he’s checked with his own experts.” —KBK, GMA News