In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo belied social media reports that the 75-year-old chief executive was confined at the Cardinal Santos Hospital Medical Center.
“We have been informed that a false news starting to spread in the social media that PRRD is already confined at Cardinal Santos hospital,” Panelo said in a statement.
Panelo said the information is “absolutely false,” and that Duterte is “fit and healthy.”
“We wish to inform the public that such information is absolutely false. The President is fit and healthy and is currently doing his presidential duties at his official residence at the Bahay Pagbabago,” he said.
“We caution our people to be wary of purveyors of false news and information and always watch and read official advisories relative to the President and the implementation of the Bayanihan Heal As One Act to put a stop to the spread of the deadly COVID-19,” Panelo added.
Under the new law, fake news peddlers may either face a two-month jail sentence or a fine of ₱10,000 to ₱1 million.
The Philippines is under a state of calamity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Duterte himself is undergoing self-quarantine as advised by the doctor and the Presidential Security Group after several government officials have contracted the virus.
To date, the country has 2,311 cases, with 96 fatalities and 50 recoveries.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 2) — Malacañang on Thursday dismissed rumors that President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently on self-quarantine, was admitted in a hospital in San Juan City.
