Duterte makes first public appearance after heart attack rumors

After eight days out of the public eye and amid rumors that he was hospitalized over the weekend, President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday made his first public appearance when he met the new Thai ambassador in Malacañang.

Duterte welcomed Thai Ambassador Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng who presented his credentials to the President.

In his remarks, the President apologized to Ruangprateepsaeng for being two minutes late.

“I was just signing some papers,” Duterte said. “But I am very happy of your presence today and congratulations to your new deployment.”

“I’m sure that you would learn so many things along the way. You won’t have a hard time. We are similar in all things including our desire to have a peaceful southeast Pacific region,” he added.

The Philippines and Thailand are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

As was the case in previous presentations of credentials by foreign diplomats, the was only open to photographers and cameramen covering Malacañang.

Duterte’s health became subject of speculation last weekend after rumors circulated that he had a heart attack and that he was confined at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City.

He was last seen in public when he voted in Davao City.

The President on Sunday posed for "proof of life" with former Special Assistant to the President Christopher "Bong" Go at Bahay Pagbabago, his official residence inside the Malacañang Complex.

The Palace said on Monday that the President was strong and upbeat.

Duterte was also not seen in public from April 29 to May 4. He later released a photo of himself watching "Django Unchained" on Netflix at home in Davao City.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo also said Duterte had no public engagements at the time because the chief executive was busy with paperwork. —NB, GMA News