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Alejano calls for disclosure of Duterte's health status


Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano on Sunday called for the disclosure of President Rodrigo Duterte's health status.

Alejano made the call amid the President's repeated remarks about his being tired and his plan of resigning from office.

“This is not the first time we heard from the President that he wants to resign. More often, we would also hear from his speeches rants over being tired and experiencing illnesses due to old age," Alejano said in a statement.

"The public has the right to know the health status of the President," he added.

In a speech in Malacañang on August 14, Duterte recalled telling the military and police officials during the joint command conference on August 7 that he is planning to step down.

"'Guys, I want you to know that I am thinking of stepping down because I'm tired. While I am not angry against anybody, my chase against graft and corruption seems to be endless. It has contaminated almost all government departments and offices," Duterte said.

Alejano, who is a staunch critic of Duterte, pointed out that the President's health is a matter of public interest.

He likewise said the Constitution provides that the public should be informed about the President's health in case of serious illness.

“A lot are worried on the deteriorating health of the President. His long absences from the public eye even during important events raise speculations on the health of Duterte," Alejano said.

In making pronouncements about resigning, Duterte said he would prefer a junta takeover rather than constitutional succession.

But Alejano said that the Constitution should be observed as regards succession, and the military should reminded of this.

“I trust that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is a professional organization. Our soldiers swore to follow the Constitution and the laws of land."

"I believe that however Duterte wants to push the idea of a military junta, this would not happen because this is not what is enshrined in the Constitution. The military knows and understands this very well,” Alejano said.  —Erwin Colcol/LBG, GMA News

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