Duterte remains 'fit and healthy,' says Palace

President Rodrigo Duterte "remains fit and healthy" and  continues to discharge his functions as head of the government, Malacañang said Thursday amid rumors on the President's ill health.

"President Rodrigo Duterte remains fit and healthy for his age and we thank the Filipino people for voicing their concern and wishing the Chief Executive's strength and good health during the COVID-19 pandemic,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

"He continues to discharge his functions as head of the government.”

Roque issued the statement a day after Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander Jesus Durante III announced that 45 PSG members tested positive for COVID-19.

Duterte was supposed to give a public address last Monday but it was moved to Wednesday and then again to next week.

Senator Bong Go, a former special aide to the President, cited PSG members testing positive for COVID-19 as reason for the latest postponement.

Amid rumors regarding the President's health condition, Go posted a photo on social media showing him and Duterte, who he said was busy with paperwork.

He also said that Duterte has tested negative for COVID-19 during his most recent swab test.

The President’s last public appearance was last March 29 when he personally received one million doses of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines. He delivered a public address on the same day.

Duterte celebrated his 76th birthday in his Davao city home last March 28. —KBK, GMA News