Duterte on absence: I was only ‘kama-tose’
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte stands beside his bed upon his arrival at the Mansion in Baguio City on February 17, 2017 in time for the annual Philippine Military Academy alumni homecoming on February 18, 2017. PPD / King Rodriguez
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday denied that he was unconscious during his absence from the public eye.
In a speech during the founding anniversary of the Presidential Security Group, Duterte clarified the rumors on his supposedly serious sickness.
“Comatose na raw ako, wrong spelling lang po iyon ng media— it's really kama,” Duterte said, repeating a joke he used earlier this month.
“If I'm not around and you don’t see me, sigurado nasa kama ako,” he added.
Rumors of Duterte having a serious illness surfaced after he skipped the Philippine Independence Day ceremony on June 12. Since then, he has been noticeably absent from public engagements.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella repeatedly said the president is well and was just taking time to rest.
On the other hand, Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go said the president was just attending to paperwork.
Duterte said that while he is absent, the public should not meddle about his activities. “Kung ano ang ginagawa ko, wala silang pakialam,” he said.
Earlier, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, an outspoken Duterte critic, urged Malacañang to issue a regular update on Duterte’s health as he cast doubts on the president’s absence from the public.
Article VII Section 12 of the 1987 Constitution also states that in case the president has a serious illness, the public shall be informed of the state of his health.
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