Duterte on his health condition: I was in ‘kama,’ not coma

President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday made light of his much-speculated health condition, after concerns about it arose when he noticeably stepped back from the public eye for almost a week.

In a press conference in Butuan City, Duterte joked: "Nasa kama lang ako. Kayo lang nagsabi na-coma ako... Wrong spelling man 'yan... Kung na-coma ako, magtindig kaya ako para mamut*ngin*?"

[I was in bed. The public's been speculating that I went into coma. That's wrong spelling. If I were in comatose, would I be standing here cursing?]

"My state of health is what you see is what you get. I do not need anybody to ask me where I'm going. Kapag hindi niyo ko nakita ng limang araw, edi patay na [If you don't see me for five days, then probably I'm dead]," Duterte added.

'Nandiyan si VP'

Duterte also asked the public not to worry about his health. He said he had his last medical examination last year, but did not elaborate.

"Ano ba problema niyo, may bise-presidente... Do not worry there is the vice-president. My state of health is immaterial. Ang importante may successor. Ayaw pa ninyo 'yan isang araw bago na naman... bagong presidente," he said, referring to Vice President Leni Robredo.

Duterte also took note that he took a private vacation during his one-week rest.

"I went on a trip somewhere. I cannot divulge it. I go there incognito. 'Yun ang totoo. Confidential but I travel like a private citizen para lang makaabot sa gusto kong puntahan," he said.

Why was Pres. Duterte out of public eye for nearly 6 days? Here's his explanation @gmanews pic.twitter.com/qNH9x1Hmc1

— Joseph Morong (@Joseph_Morong) June 17, 2017

Questions on Duterte's health condition emerged after he skipped the Independence Day ceremony at Rizal Park on June 12.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella, however, explained that the country's chief executive, who is 72 years old, is "well" and  “taking some time off to rejuvenate.” — MDM, GMA News