PRRD: I can still do my job despite health woes

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over the 42nd Cabinet Meeting at the Malacañan Palace on October 11, 2019. ALFRED FRIAS/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Friday allayed concerns over his health condition, saying that the public need not worry as he could still perform his duties as the country’s highest elected official.

While he acknowledged that he has various health issues, the 74-year-old President maintained that there is no need for him to release a medical bulletin on his health.

“I’m 74 years old. Huwag mo akong tanungin if I am in the pink of health. I am not. Meron akong mga ano sa katawan (I have certain ailments),” Duterte said in an exclusive interview with CNN Philippines. “For purposes of performing my functions as president, I am all right.”

His latest assurance came after his recent admission that his age has been taking a toll on his health.

Duterte previously said he is suffering from muscle spasms, chronic back pains, and migraines.

He also said he has myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that weakens skeletal muscles responsible for breathing and moving parts of the body.

He likewise bared that he is suffering from Barrett’s esophagus, a potentially serious complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Buerger’s disease, a rare disease of the arteries and veins in the arms and legs.

In October last year, Duterte also told the nation that the alleged “growth” found in his digestive tract tested negative for cancer.

The President’s health problems have raised growing concerns among the public.

He, however, assured that he has no serious health problem.

“No. The Constitution does not require me (to release a medical bulletin),” Duterte said.

Under Section 12, Article 7 of the 1987 Constitution, the President is mandated to disclose the real status of his health “in case of serious illness.”