Duterte admits he has myasthenia gravis, a rare muscle disease

President Rodrigo Duterte revealed during his speech for the Filipino community in Russia on Saturday that he has myasthenia gravis, which was common in his family.

“Isa itong nerve malfunction at nakuha ko ito sa lolo ko,” he explained. “Kaya naniniwala ako, nasa lahi namin.”

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(It is a nerve malfunction that I got from my grandfather. That’s why I believe it is in our genes.)

Because of the disease, Duterte’s eyelids dropped and his muscles weakened.

According to Mayo Clinic, myasthenia gravis is “characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under your voluntary control. It’s caused by a breakdown in the normal communication between nerves and muscles.”

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“’Yung isang mata ko, umiikot kung saan-saan pumupunta,” the president added.

(One of my eyes rolls to different directions.)

However, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said there is nothing to worry about myasthenia gravis muscle disease of Duterte. He said it is a common illness among the elderly.

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“Karaniwang sakit lang ng matatanda. Magkakaroon kayo niyan pagtanda ninyo,” Panelo added.

(It is common for the elderly. You will have that as you age.)

Meanwhile, even President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter is also suffering from dengue.

President Duterte said in a media interview Tuesday afternoon in Davao City that dengue hit her youngest daughter, Kitty.

Also read: Duterte unkempt, palace says comfort before style