Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 5) — Malacañang said it will not take legal action against those spreading fake news about the health of President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a media briefing Monday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador “Sal” Panelo said there is nothing new to the false information.
“Ordinaryo na iyon eh [That’s an ordinary occurrence]. We’re used to that anyway. Let it be… Hayaan mo sila [Let them be],” he said.
Fresh talk about the President’s health came up again over the weekend after Duterte skipped an event in Tacloban City because he did not feel well.
Then, in a video shared by his partner, Honeylet Avanceña, Duterte addressed rumors that he had died.
“For those who believe in the news that I passed away, then I request of you, please pray for the eternal repose of my soul. Thank you,” he said.
In October last year, then Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said he was tired of answering questions about the President’s health.
Both Roque and Panelo said Duterte taking the day off does not automatically mean he is ill.
In his Monday media briefing, Panelo said, “He felt siguro [perhaps] his body was not up to performing any activity that day so he canceled all activities to rest. We should commend him for that, which means he’s taking care of himself. He’s not pushing his body to the limits.”
