PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is “strong” and busy fulfilling his mandate as the highest official in the land, Malacañang said on Saturday, August 17, as it denied fresh rumors that the Chief Executive was hospitalized.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo assured the public that Duterte is “always okay.”

“Malakas pa sa akin iyon, eh (He’s stronger than me)... He is always okay. He will be the first one to tell us if he is not,” he added.

Panelo issued the statement in response to speculations that Duterte, who is in an eight-day hiatus, was sick and in the hospital.

Duterte was last seen in public on August 9 when he attended the 118th police service anniversary in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Panelo, however, said the President, known for his tight schedule and lengthy speeches, is busy doing paperwork and attending private engagements.

“Marami kasi siyang ginagawang ano... Ang dami siyang papeles, tapos ang daming private meetings. Maraming courtesy calls, so busy’ng busy siya (He has a hectic schedule. He is busy doing paper works, as well as attending private meetings and courtesy calls. He’s very busy),” Duterte’s spokesman said.

This year, Duterte has been rumored to have frequent visits to hospitals every time he is out of the public eye due to his supposedly deteriorating health.

Duterte has been open to the current state of his health, as he repeatedly admits that he is suffering from various ailments.

The 74-year-old President revealed that he has been battling with chronic back pains and migraine.

He has also admitted to having Barrett’s esophagus condition, in which the esophagus changes, and Berguer’s disease, a rare disease of the arteries and veins in the arms and legs.

Duterte also hinted in September 2018 that a growth in his digestive tract may have developed into cancer, but said in October 2018 that he was tested negative for cancer. (SunStar Philippines)