Coughing fits interrupt Duterte’s speech in bird flu-hit Pampanga

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday had to overcome at least three coughing fits in the middle of his speech before poultry industry stakeholders who were affected by the avian influenza virus that hit certain parts of the province.

Duterte explained that his cough was due to his exposure to flowers during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani for the National Heroes Day, which he attended before going to the boodle fight.

“Galing kasi ako sa wreath laying. Allergic ako sa bulaklak. Akala naman talagang sad ako pero I was saddened. Problem is I cannot tolerate flowers,” he said, while dealing with his cough.

In his second wave of coughing, Duterte said that someone might be talking behind his back.

“May nagmumura sa akin sa labas. Hindi na ito ‘yung—‘pag ka ganoon may nagba-backbite sa’yo ‘yan eh. Wala naman ako kalaban dito sa Pampanga. Nanalo nga ako,” he said through coughs.

In his third coughing fit, Duterte joked that those surrounding him should stay away.

“Sunod, huwag na ikaw magtabi sa akin, hindi ito ubo ng ano,” he said.

Duterte was even close to making someone else read his prepared speech and said he didn’t want to have flowers at his wake.

“In fact, as of August 24, the government has completed—sorry—the culling of affected fowls in avian flu-affected areas in—pakibasa. ‘Di alam nila ‘yan na pag ‘yang bulaklak,” he said.

“Pati sa burol ko, huwag kayong magpadala ng bulaklak, baka mag ubo ako ng mag-ubo diyan sa ilalim ng kabaong. Ako lang ang makikita niyong patay na ubo ng ubo,” he added.

When it was time to feast on the various chicken dishes in the spread before him, Duterte's coughing fit appeared to have disappeared and he was able to eat his chicken and egg with gusto and without further interruption.

He also was no longer bothered by any coughing fits during his media interview before travelling back to Manila. — RSJ/KVD, GMA News