Push Admin

Where's Rody? Some lawmakers express concern

Article (news)

RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/news/03/01/20151209_duterte-gc-01.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">President Rodrigo Duterte <cite>file photo</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div>MANILA-Where is the President of the Philippines? And is he sick?These were the questions of some lawmakers in the House of Representatives as President Rodrigo Duterte continued to shy from the limelight for the past few days.Duterte skipped the Independence Day flag ceremony last Monday, fueling speculations he might be sick.Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza said there are doubts that the President may have been diagnosed with a medical condition that he does not want to divulge.To put an end to these rumors, Atienza advised that Duterte issue a medical bulletin, given that the chief executive is legally bound to disclose the state of his health.&quot;I hope the President realizes that the concern of everyone, including us. I will always wish him well… He is the leader we need at this point in time…Walang masama na sabihin na lang ang totoo,&quot; he said.&quot;...The moment you don&#x27;t see your leader, parang naapuyan yung chismis. The more days that pass without him being seen publicly, ganun rin ang epekto noon..Public disclosure of the President&#x27;s health is a must,&quot; he added.Section 12, Article 7 of the 1987 Constitution provides that the public should be informed of the President&#x27;s state of health in case of serious illness.Malacañang on Thursday assured the public that Duterte was in good health despite being out of the public eye for the 4th straight day.“You have to consider he [had] been on the road for 23 days. It was really brutal so we have to allow him to have time to rest. He is taking some time out,” Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a news conference.<ul class="op-related-articles" title="">	<li><a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/15/17/palace-duterte-just-tired-resting">Palace: Duterte just tired, resting </a></li></ul>Former Senate President and Partido Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP) party-mate Aquilino &quot;Nene&quot; Pimentel echoed the same sentiments. &quot;Of course, the people are entitled to know what is the situation of the President pero up to the extent that other mischievous minds would have other agenda to follow, if they think the President is not well, that also has to be considered,&quot; he said.Opposition lawmakers Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano and Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat also noted that the absence of Duterte at this point, given the ongoing Marawi siege, is &quot;very unusual.&quot;&quot;The absence of the President from the public is very unusual especially there is still an ongoing crisis in Marawi. Much more to be absent for a week without explanation except to rest. People cannot help but speculate about the status of President&#x27;s health,&quot; Alejano said.&quot;The President&#x27;s health is a national concern. Transparency is a must,&quot; Baguilat added.<div>NOT THE FIRST TIME</div>Political analyst Edmund Tayao explained that Duterte&#x27;s case is not the first time that a sitting president has faced calls to be more forthcoming about his health.&quot;It&#x27;s a matter of disclosing exactly [what] is up with the President&#x27;s situation...Alam mo, di lang naman siya yung nawawala bigla sa public eye eh, even the previous president had those instances,&quot; he said.Tayao said, during the term of former President Benigno Aquino III, there were also speculations about him whenever he moves away from the public eye, but noted that these were different with respect to speculations on health conditions.He recalled instances in the past when other high public officials have had to make public disclosures about their health, such as former President Fidel Ramos and former Vice President Jejomar Binay.&quot;Regardless of age or whatever the circumstance is, whether we like it or not, health will always be a concern also because of the rigors of the office, especially kung hands on ang presidente, kailangan matingnan yan,&quot; he said.Tayao, however, reminded that even before he became President, Duterte had already given hints about his health condition.&quot;Even before the President ran for office, I think lumabas na yung possible limitations. He himself was even suggesting that he might have some limitations as President,&quot; he said.Tayao, however, advised that it would not be good for the President to take a leave of absence given the situation in Marawi.

Where's Rody? Some lawmakers express concern

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

News

Where's Rody? Some lawmakers express concern

RG Cruz,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 15, 2017 04:17 PM PHT

|

Updated June 15, 2017 05:17 PM PHT

Read More:

Rodrigo Duterte

House of Representatives

president's health

transparency

constitution

lito atienza

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.