Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 17) — Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque rejected on Friday a lawyer’s request to explain why he previously said the President’s physical health was at 88 percent.
Atty. Dino de Leon sent a letter to Roque on Thursday, asking the spokesman to explain his basis.
“As the mouthpiece of the President, it is presumed that your declarations have both factual and legal basis,” de Leon stated in the letter. “Your statements on the issue of the health of the President are being watched closely by the Filipino people.”
But Roque instead reiterated that President Rodrigo Duterte is not compelled to release his health records. He added that the Supreme Court already junked de Leon’s previous call to release documents on the President’s health condition.
De Leon accused Roque of diverting from the issue.
“Mabuti pang sagutin niya na lang kung anong basis niya,” he said.
[Translation: It is better that he just answers what his basis was]
Duterte’s health had been a hot topic as the Palace continues to reject calls to disclose his condition despite the President himself revealing several illnesses.
