Following the allegations that he left the country for a medical treatment in Singapore, President Rodrigo Duterte emphasized that he will not keep it a secret if he ever did so.
“And I do not have to hide it. I said I am not stupid to use government funds. Malalaman nang malalaman ng tao ‘yan (People will surely know about it). So stop this nonsense about me going to Singapore… if at all,” President Duterte stressed.
“Kung gusto ko pumunta, pupunta ako. Wala kayong pakialam kung gusto kong pumunta (I will go if I want to go. It is none of your business if I want to). At (And) I will not, I said, under no circumstances, I have the obligation to keep it a secret. What for?” he continued.
Aside from allegations that he is sick, some netizens pointed out that his eyes appeared differently. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque responded that there is nothing wrong with the eyes of the Chief Executive.
“Ang sumatotal po, ang pinaka-effective para mag-dispel ng mga tsismis at fake news na nagkasakit daw ang Presidente at nagpunta ng Singapore ay iyong pagharap niya sa taumbayan kagabi (The most effective way to dispel fake news that he got sick and left for Singapore is his public appearance last night),” Roque rationalized. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
