President Rodrigo Duterte is healthy and “in control” of the situation as he continues to lead the country, Malacañang said Wednesday.
“His appearance, his conduct, his actuation, these prove that he is well and healthy,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque told CNN Philippines.
He made his statement even as a lawyer urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision denying his appeal to compel Malacañang to disclose Duterte’s state of health.
Dino De Leon asked the high court to reverse its May 8 decision denying the petition he filed on July 24 following the speculations on Duterte’s health condition.
“The health of the President, especially at a time like this, should rightfully be disclosed to the public,” De Leon said.
“After all, the enlightened minds behind the system of government the country has adopted originally envisioned an energetic Executive essential for the protection of the community and the steady administration of laws.”
But the high court had ruled that the dismissal of De Leon’s petition was proper since it failed to raise arguments that would necessitate the granting of his petition.
In his appeal, De Leon cited rumors that a medical jet landed in Davao City last Tuesday and made an immediate return flight to Singapore, triggering speculation that a high-profile person was aboard for treatment.
Roque’s reassurance came amid the growing concerns over the health of the 75-year-old President after the rumors had it that he went to Singapore over the weekend to get medical treatment.
Roque acknowledged that Duterte, a “seasoned” public servant, had always been subject to speculation, especially when it came to the state of his health.
But he expressed confidence that most Filipinos still believed in Duterte’s competence to serve the country.
“The President is amused that so many people are wishing him ill, but he is confident he still has the support of the overwhelming majority of our people,” Roque said.
On Monday, Duterte dispelled rumors that he flew to Singapore for medical treatment.
He told the public he had no reason to travel “in secret,” especially if it involved the use of public funds.
Roque supported Duterte’s statement, saying the President would gain “nothing” by keeping his overseas trips a secret.
“In other words, going abroad for the President is very difficult to keep secret because there’s a designation of a caretaker, as well of course the right of the people to be informed where he’s going,” Roque said.
He said he believe that critics were behind the proliferation of fake news about Duterte’s supposed travel abroad, but they would not succeed in tainting Duterte’s reputation.
“The public should no longer speculate because they have seen him,” Roque said.
“I understand that many of our detractors are sad that the President is fine, but they would just have to wait until 2022 because the President is healthy and is in control.”