De Lima: Malacañang has ‘moral obligation’ to be transparent on Duterte’s health

Senator Leila de Lima on Thursday called for transparency as President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to appear in any public engagement for four straight days.

In a handwritten note from her detention facility, De Lima said it is Malacañang's “moral obligation” to go beyond what the Constitution requires, citing Sec. 12, Art. VII, which states that in case of serious illness of the President, the public shall be informed of the state of his health.

“Of course, Malacañang is well within the constitutional bounds when it refuses to fully inform the public about the President’s ‘vacation’, but it is also its moral obligation to go beyond what the Constitution requires,” De Lima said.

“This is called transparency and accountability, two words that are already lost to this administration and its senior Cabinet officials,” she said.

De Lima said the “rumors” will continue to abound regarding the President’s health if the public is not fully informed.

“Knowing the truth about the President’s state of health is both a matter of public interest and national security,” De Lima said.

“For the past several days, the men and women of our uniformed service have remained in their post, have continued to discharge their solemn duty to defend the Filipino people, and some have even made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Amidst their continued and constant service, WHERE is the President? Where is our Commander-in-Chief?” she said.

Earlier, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella gave assurance that Duterte is well, and is “just taking some time off to rejuvenate.”

Likewise, PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said Duterte called him Wednesday night, and that his voice did not indicate any cause for concern.

Duterte has had no public engagement since Monday, where he was supposed to lead the Independence Day rites at the Rizal Park.

Vice President Leni Robredo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano led the flag-raising ceremony in Duterte’s stead. — RSJ, GMA News