Yesterday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque maintained that President Rodrigo Duterte is not ill so there is no reason for the Palace to issue a medical bulletin.
“Ang medical bulletin is only given when the President is sick; and he is not sick. Bakit hindi po siya nag-aanunsiyo?” said Roque.
Roque revealed this after being asked why he announced the latest quarantine classifications even though he was ill after being hit again by COVID-19 and not the President.
Roque said that he is actually the one who announces the classifications after the President’s approval.
“Mula po halos isang taon na nang ako’y bumalik talagang ako naman po nag-aanunsiyo niyan except lang kung iyong simula ng buwan coincides with the Talk to the People on a Monday. In which case, sinasabay po sa Talk to the People. Pero sa mula’t mula po, ako naman po iyon,” said Roque.
Criticized on social media about showing the President’s “proof of life” but no “proof of work,” Roque said that the President has nothing else to think about but the people’s problem.
Duterte is not sick; no need for medical bulletin: Roque
Roque also said that someone only shows up when they are working but the President said that the people are thinking 24/7.
“So may mga iba kasi nagpapakita lang ‘pag sila’y nagtatrabaho, iyong mga para lang mapakita purposes ‘no. Pero alam naman natin ang Presidente natin 24 hours, 24/7 ang kaniyang pag-iisip ay nasa bayan po,” said Roque.
Meanwhile, the public saw President Rodrigo Duterte at his regular national televised address on Monday night.
According to Duterte, he has no illness that will prevent him from fulfilling his role as president.
Duterte announced this after speculations surfaced on social media about the president’s condition without the continuation of two regular public addresses last week.
His trusted aide, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, released photos and videos on social media this Sunday, showing Duterte hitting a golf club, riding a motorcycle, and running slightly.
“Kaya ako nakaka-swing ng golf tapos nagmo-motor kasi kaya ko pa,” said Duterte.