Duterte in ‘tip-top shape,’ SAP Go tells critics

“Kita mo sobrang sipag at very healthy ang Pangulo. Sa mga kritiko na gustong magkasakit siya, eh wala kaming mahanap na sakit eh (You see, the President is very hardworking and healthy. To the critics who wish him ill, we couldn’t even find an illness,” he said. (File Photo: Bong Go/Facebook)

MANILA — Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Tuesday dispelled rumors being spread by administration critics that the Chief Executive is suffering from a serious illness, saying the President is in “tip-top condition.”

“Kita mo sobrang sipag at very healthy ang Pangulo. Sa mga kritiko na gustong magkasakit siya, eh wala kaming mahanap na sakit eh (You see, the President is very hardworking and healthy. To the critics who wish him ill, we couldn’t even find an illness,” he said.

“Nasa mabuti siyang kalagayan, huwag kayong mag-alala. Kaya niyang tapusin ang kaniyang termino hanggang 2022, and even live beyond that. Mahaba pa ang buhay ng ating Pangulo. Sigurado ako diyan. Malakas pa siya sa kalabaw (You don’t have to worry because our President’s health is good. He can finish his term until 2022, and live beyond it. I’m sure of that. He is as strong as a carabao)” he said.

President Duterte and his top aide are scheduled to fly to Bali, Indonesia on Wednesday to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders gathering.

The event will be attended by various leaders from the region, who are expected to affirm ASEAN’s commitment to support the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the United Nations in addressing development challenges.

Duterte will also highlight the Philippines’ efforts to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals and improve its economic performance amidst global uncertainties.

Go said prior to their flight to Indonesia, he and Duterte will first fly to Cotabato to condole with the bereaved families of the five Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents who were ambushed and killed in the line of duty.

“Walang pagod talaga, walang pinipiling oras (ang Pangulo). Kapag trabaho, trabaho talaga (He never gets tired. He is up at all hours. If there is something that needs to be done, he is always ready to work),” he said.