Duterte says he underwent medical checkup

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday admitted that he indeed paid a visit to the hospital to undergo a medical checkup, amid persistent rumors about his health.

Duterte said he went to Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City to undergo some tests.

“Iyung reading ng aking (The reading of my) ano, somebody advised my doctor to also just repeat and get some samples there,” Duterte said in a speech before members of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association, Incorporated (PMAAAI) in Malacañang.

“So I stayed there for one hour sa Cardinal Santos. Hindi ko pa masabi kung mayroon talaga akong tama o wala (I can't say yet if I have something or not).”

The President also said in jest: "I will tell you if it's cancer. If it's cancer, hindi na ako magpagamot (I will not get treatment anymore)."

Duterte last week said he recently underwent endoscopy and colonoscopy. He said he needed to undergo these procedures because he suffers from Barret’s esophagus, a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Duterte made the revelation despite the firm denial of Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque that the 73-year-old chief executive was only at his residence to take the day off.

Rumors circulated anew about Duterte’s health after he skipped Wednesday’s Pagcor event at the Palace and was represented by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

Special Assistant to the President Bong Go also quashed rumors the President was “admitted” to the hospital.