PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte, while still in the pink of health, deserves some rests as he is “working too hard,” Malacañang said on Friday, July 19.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo admitted that Cabinet officials can “hardly” catch up with Duterte, given the Chief Executive’s hectic work schedule.
“I think he should not be spending too much attending to all his activities at the sacrifice of his health,” Panelo said in a chance interview.
“He’s working too hard, and we told him so, ‘Mr. President, mag-bakasyon ka naman, at least two weeks (take a vacation for at least two weeks).’ Sabi niya, ‘Paano ako mag-babakasyon, tambak ang trabaho ko,’” the Palace official added.
(He’s working too hard, and we told him so, “Mr. President, take a vacation for at least two weeks.” He said, “I have heavy workload, how can I go on a vacation?”)
In a television interview on July 17, the 74-year-old President admitted that he is losing weight because his busy workday made his suffer from lack of sleep and decreased appetite.
Duterte, who earlier confessed regretting running for president, also said he always look forward to Fridays since that is the day when he can return to his home in Davao City.
“I look at a calendar, I’m full until the end of the week. Sa Wednesday pa lang, mainit na ulo ko. Mag-kalma lang ako ‘pag walang... Friday na kasi pauwi naman. Pero ‘yung Monday, Tuesday, ah sus, itapon ko minsan ‘yung papeles,” the President said.
(I look at a calendar, I’m full until the end of the week. By Wednesday, I’m hot-tempered. I can only calm down by Friday because I’m going home. But for Monday and Tuesday, sometimes, I would throw the papers.)
“Well, that’s how it is. You maybe elected the wrong guy. But anyway, I have my purpose. I correct the many wrongs that we are facing,” he added.
Panelo reassured that Duterte continues to be healthy and strong, despite the latter’s challenging job as the highest official in the land.
He likewise guaranteed that the President is doing his job right, even though the latter sometimes tends to get tired because of his tight schedule.
“He (Duterte) is okay. Kung health wise, malakas si Presidente (Health-wise, the President is strong),” Panelo said.
“Masyado lang siyang masipag. Workaholic eh. Kasi siya lang, hindi ba, siya lang ang presidenteng lahat pinupuntahan niya yata... Napapagod lang siya pero hindi naman siya nagco-complain,” he added.
(He’s just too hard-working. He’s workaholic. He’s the only president who attends any events... He’s getting tired but he’s not complaining.) (SunStar Philippines)