Rumors spread on social media on Wednesday that President Rodrigo Duterte allegedly had a heart attack and was flown to Singapore, especially since he was last seen by the public on March 29.
But in a Facebook post last night, Sen. Bong Go posted a photo of himself with Duterte, which even had a newspaper that seemed to be proof that it was recently taken.
The Palace also said that the President is in Malacañang and working there.
“President Duterte remains fit and healthy for his age and we thank the Filipino people for voicing their concern and wishing the chief executive strength and good health during this time of COVID-19 pandemic as he continues to discharge his functions as head of the government,” said Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque.
In an interview, Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante said the president is safe and negative on COVID-19. This is even 126 PSG members already tested positive for COVID-19.
Also read: Panelo denies rumors Duterte is sick, confined in hospital
Makabayan bloc demands Duterte to show up
But despite the Palace’s clarification, the Makabayan bloc of the House insisted that the public still needs to be informed of the President’s true state of health.
“Mahigit isang linggo na, missing in action pa rin si Pangulong Duterte. Umaapaw na ang mga ospital, gutom na ang mamamayan dahil sa kakarampot na ayuda, pero photo ops lang ang ibinigay ng Palasyo… We need answers. We demand action and effective solutions to this worsening pandemic situation,” said Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas.
“Natutulog pa ba hanggang ngayon o nagtutulug-tulugan lang? Sa ganitong sitwasyon ng bansa, buong bayan ang naghahanap na sa kanya, malinaw ang mandato ng Saligang Batas na dapat ipaalam ng Pangulo ang tunay na estado ng kanyang kalusugan. Dapat din niyang ipaalam kung suko na ba siya sa pandemya,” said Bayan Muna Rep. Eeufemia Cullamat.
According to Roque, the President is expected to appear again in his weekly Talk to the People address next week.