‘Indisposed’ Duterte skips National Heroes’ Day rites

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte skipped the celebration of the National Heroes’ Day ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, as he is “not feeling well,” his former top aide said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said Duterte stayed up until 4:30 a.m. so he had to skip the 8 a.m. event to rest.

But Go assured the public that there was nothing to worry about the health of the 74-year-old Duterte.

“Kailangan magpahinga ng Pangulo (The President just needs to rest). He’s indisposed, medyo masama ang pakiramdam (He is not feeling well),” Go said during a media interview.

In a statement, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte would be represented by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano in Monday’s event.

The President attended the National Heroes Day celebration last year.

Less than a week ago, Malacañang allayed worries about the President’s health after he was not seen in public for several days.

Panelo had said the President has been very busy with private meetings and paperwork.

The President’s state of health has been a recurring issue in his presidency given his advanced age.

Duterte, now 74, is the oldest Philippine president upon assumption to the post.