MANILA, Philippines — Despite the “unbearable pain” felt by President Rodrigo Duterte that led to his premature homecoming from Japan, the Chief Executive would still attend the forthcoming Asean Summit in Thailand.
President spokesman Salvador Panelo issued this assurance Friday albeit with a suggestion that Duterte might implement “spacing” in his attendance to the summit’s “too punishing” schedule.
The 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit will be held in Bangkok from November 2 to 4.
Duterte has complained of “unbearable pain” in his spine while in Japan for the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito, days after he fell off a motorcycle Thursday last week, sustaining bruises and scratches.
Doctors advised Duterte to minimize physical activities, according to Panelo. But Duterte will “definitely” attend the Asean Summit in Bangkok, he said.
“Tuloy pa rin iyon, walang magbabago doon. Pero iyong spacing medyo babaguhin na natin kasi nga punishing masyado eh,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.
(That will push through, nothing there will change. But we will somewhat change the spacing because the schedule is too punishing).
“Iyong activity niya tuloy pa rin pero i-minimize mo iyong physical activity mo. Saka siguro, iyong mga events niya, iyong space, i-space niya dahil masyadong punishing ang schedule,” he added.
(His activities will continue but his physical activities will be minimized. Also maybe, his events, the space, he will space it because the schedule is too punishing).
Panelo said the President was advised to not stand or walk too long.
“Actually, ang ano sa kanya, hinay-hinay ka lang dahil hindi ka naman na spring chicken. ‘Wag kang masyadong matagal iyong duration ng standing mo saka walking,” he said.
(Actually, what was advised to him was take things slowly because he is not a spring chicken anymore. He should not stand and walk too long).
Is spite of issues on his health, Panelo said the President is okay.
READ: Palace: No need to release Duterte medical bulletin
“[H]e is in good health, we don’t have to worry about that,” he insisted.
During the 33rd Asean Summit in Singapore on November 2018, Duterte had skipped some events as he took “power naps” because he needed to recharge.
READ: Duterte ‘took power naps’ during absence in Asean events — Palace
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