DOH chief: Rody upbeat, shows no sign of illness

Despite the laboratory tests that he had undergone, President Duterte is still “up- beat” and showing “no sign of illness,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said yesterday.

“He continues to go around, he is attending to his duties and responsibilities as President. He remains upbeat whenever we see him,” Duque said.

Duque claimed he is not privy to the results of the endoscopy and colonoscopy that Duterte had undergone at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center last Wednesday.

“I think the results are not yet out,” the health chief said.

He assured the public, however, that the Chief Executive did not show any indication that he was ailing during their previous Cabinet meetings, even when they were touring the regions devastated by Typhoon Ompong.

“He continues to function very well. But, of course, everyone deserves a break. We all have to rest, especially if you have a huge responsibility on your shoulder and your job is as demanding (as that of the President),” Duque said.

Rumors about his failing health has been hounding Duterte, especially recently when his face had dark splotches.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. and special assistant to the president Bong Go have denied that Duterte went to the hospital but the President later admitted going to hospital for tests.

Prelate asks for prayers

Meanwhile, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles yesterday asked the faithful to pray for Duterte’s good health after he admitted that he was not certain about his well-being.

In an interview over Churchrun Radio Veritas, Valles said the Catholic faithful should include the Chief Executive in their prayers so he could continue with his work and responsibilities in running the country.

Valles is a friend of the President, who also hails from Davao.

The prelate said he was saddened by the news of the medical findings about the 73-yearold Duterte.

“It’s a sad news, the medical findings; and we would like to really pray for our President that he would be recovering from this found illness,” Valles said.

“We will pray for him that he will be back to his health so that he can run the affairs of the country,” he added.

Some three weeks ago, Duterte underwent colonoscopy and endoscopy because he said he suffers from Barret’s esophagus, which is a complication of gastroesophageral reflux disease.