President Rodrigo Duterte has "no serious illness" and is only taking extra precaution to avoid catching COVID-19, his longtime aide, Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go, said Wednesday.
The 75-year-old leader is "malakas pa sa kalabaw" literal for "stronger than a carabao," Go said in a Facebook video. The President mentioned in his weekly address to the nation aired Tuesday that he was still suffering from Barret’s esophagus, complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
"Wala siyang iniindang sakit na seryoso at hindi natin kailangan mag-alala (He is not suffering from a serious illness and we need not worry)," said Go, who had worked with Duterte for two decades.
The Presidential Security Group is watchful that due to his age, Duterte is more vulnerable to COVID-19. Even if he wants to be with the people, he can't at this time, Go said.
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