Duterte to let public know of medical consultation result – Palace

October 23, 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte will inform the public about the result of his medical consultation after complaining of "unbearable" pain on his pelvic area following his motorcycle fall last week, Malacanang assured on Wednesday.

Duterte is set to consult with his doctor today after he cut short his trip to Japan where he attended the enthronement ceremony of Japanese Emperor Naruhito.

He arrived from Tokyo at 10:33pm on Tuesday.

"The President shall inform our countrymen on the result of his medical consultation," said Panelo, also chief presidential legal counsel.

Section 12, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution provides that in case of serious illness of the President, the public shall be informed of the state of his health.

Panelo, however, reiterated that the public need not be apprehensive about Duterte's health.

"His consultation with a doctor is aimed at determining his medical condition of his body, as well as finding out whether his previous spinal injury from a past motorcycle accident has been aggravated by his recent fall," the spokesman explained.

Duterte earlier admitted he had to take Fentanyl to relieve  pain he was experiencing after his motorcycle accident when he was mayor of Davao City.

Despite cutting short his Japan trip due to the searing pain in his spinal pelvic area, Panelo said Duterte was able to go from Villamor Air Base in Pasay City to the wake of former Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. at the Heritage Park in Taguig City to pay his last respects and condole with Pimentel's family.

He said Duterte considers Pimentel as a personal friend and recognizes him for contributing valuable service to the country.

Pimentel's wife Lourdes, along with their children Senator Koko Pimentel III and Commission on Human Rights Commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana, received Duterte at the wake. Celerina Monte/DMS