Duterte figured in motorcycle accident, says Bong Go

President Rodrigo Duterte had an accident on Wednesday night when he fell off from a motorcycle he was riding on, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, his former top aide, said on Thursday.

“Sumemplang sa motor si PRRD (Duterte) kagabi habang nagmo-motor,” Go said in a message to reporters.

Go said the accident happened at the compound of the Presidential Security Group inside Malacañang Complex.

PSG commander Jose Eriel Niembra however said Duterte did not fall off the motorcycle.

'Di naman sumemplang. Sumabit lang 1 tire sa obstruction paglabas from garage. It's a trike (3-wheeled) motorcycle ang gamit kaya 'di naman natumba. Masyado mahina patakbo," he said.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo added the incident occurred when Duterte had already parked his motorcycle at the PSG compound.

"The President was reaching for his shoe when he fell off his motorcycle that resulted in a minor injury, particularly light bruises and slight scratches, to his elbow and knee," Panelo said in a statement.

The senator said Duterte had hip pain but is now resting at Bahay Pagbabago. He also said they will see a doctor to check on the President’s condition.

"The Palace assures that there is nothing to worry about regarding the President's condition," Panelo said.

"We assure our people that the President is fine, and his recovery entails no major medical procedure."

Go advised Duterte, a motorcycle enthusiast, to ride a scooter next time.

The 74-year-old President has previously admitted to having a misaligned spine as result of a motorcycle accident years ago.

Duterte's health has been the subject of much speculation, but the chief executive has repeatedly downplayed such concerns. —KBK, GMA News