Duterte to take 3-day rest from ‘punishing’ work schedule – Palace

President Duterte will take a three-day rest from his “punishing” work schedule starting Tuesday, Malacanang announced on Monday following the Chief Executive’s recent bout of back pain.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea will serve as government caretaker while the President takes a respite from work.

“Ang alam ko Tuesday bukas ang start ng kanyang pahinga... mga three days [I know he will start his rest on Tuesday for three days],” he said during a Palace press briefing.

The President’s three-day rest will be made “upon the advice of friends, of colleagues, and mostly likely upon the advice of doctors to take a respite from his punishing schedule,” according to

Panelo.

Panelo said there was no need for the President to take a leave of absence from work, adding Duterte will just rest at home in Davao City.

Asked if there was a medical concern about the President, Panelo said: “Wala naman [Nothing].”

He admitted though that Duterte’s problem seems to be lack of sleep. He told Duterte that he looks well-rested whenever he gets an eight-hour sleep.

President Duterte has recently been diagnosed with muscle spasm after complaining of unbearable pain in his

spinal column believed to be caused by his recent motorcycle fall. His back pain forced him to cut short his visit to Japan last month.

The President’s back pain has considerably eased following some rest and medication, according to the Palace. Amid his improving health condition, Duterte even pushed through with his visit to Thailand for a regional summit from November 1 to 4.

The President has not yet made any public engagement since he arrived in Manila from his Thailand trip last November 4. Duterte, however, had some private activities over the weekend, including visiting the wake of LPGMA Rep. Rodolfo Albano Jr.