MANILA, Philippines — After the Chief Executive’s absence in public’s eye for over a week, a top Malacañang official yesterday said President Duterte is “as strong as a horse.”
“Definitely, he is as strong as a horse or as a carabao,” Presidential Spokesman Panelo said on the sidelines of the celebration of the Moon Festival initiated by the Federation of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries Inc. in Quezon City.
The President is “on tiptop condition” as he embarks on an official visit to China by end of the month, Panelo added.
“Basta narinig ninyo pang nag pi-PI (curse), malakas pa yun (If you hear him saying PI, he is still strong). He is always okay, he will be the first one to tell us if he is not,” Panelo said.
The President would resume his hectic public schedules next week, he said.
“Marami kasi siyang papel (He has many papers), private meetings, maraming (many) courtesy calls,” Panelo said.
Duterte has not had a public engagement since Aug. 9. He was last seen in public attending the 118th anniversary of the Philippine National Police at Camp Crame in Quezon City. – Cecille Suerte Felipe