MANILA, Philippines — In a taped address that aired over state-run television during which he discussed the budget tapped for the government’s COVID-19 response, President Duterte revealed that his Barrett’s esophagus condition was worsening,
The 75 year old chief executive admits that his doctor advised him to stop drinking in order not to aggravate his condition.
“Ikaw Duterte, huwag ka nang uminom kasi ‘yang Barrett [esophagus] mo nearing Stage 1 ka sa cancer”
Duterte discussed with some members of the cabinet his health condition and lack of appetite. According to the President, he, together with the members of the the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) are not interested in the funds allocated for Bayanihan to Recover As One, or Bayanihan 2 — especially in his case as he is already nearing retirement.
“Matagal na kami sa gobyerno, magpa-retire na lang, bakit pa namin pagsayangan? Kakaunting panahon na lang ang naiwan so walang — walang — walang ganang — wala nang ganang kumain…”May pera ka naman, hindi ka na makakain kay sabi ng doktor huwag kang kumain ng taba kasi mamatay ka.””
preseident rodrigo duterte
“We have been in government for long. We are nearing retirement. Why would we waste it? We have a short time left, so we no longer have the appetite to eat. You may have money, but you cannot eat because the doctor said; Stop eating fatty food because you will die”
The President reassured the nation that he and the task-force will not allow the budget to be pocketed saying “if there’s money for Bayanihan, whether it’s part of one or two, I will make sure, as long as I have these guys here with me in the team, the task force, as far as your money is concerned, I have no doubt that they will not allow corruption.”
After news of the President’s condition has been revealed, several senators on Wednesday wished President Rodrigo Duterte good health.
“We wish the President good health because the country needs him to be in good shape to face the challenges brought by COVID-19.”
Senator Sonny Angara
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said the 75-year-old Duterte should take care of his health.
Early in his term, Duterte has admitted having several medical conditions — Buerger’s Disease (a condition linked to smoking which causes blood vessels to swell, preventing blood flow resulting to blood clotting), Myasthenia Gravis (condition that most commonly affects muscles that control the eyes and eyelids causing the President’s droopy eyelids) and a spinal injury from a motorcycle accident (impinged C4 and C7 causing the President to be in perpetual pain.)
Despite these health issues, Malacañang has repeatedly assured that the President was fit enough to hold office.