President Rodrigo Duterte said he does not have any ailment that would prevent him from exercising his duty as chief executive.
Duterte made the remark amid speculations on his health following the cancellation of his regular public address for two consecutive days last week.
His longtime aide and now Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Sunday posted a series of photos and videos where the president could be seen swinging a golf club, riding a motorcycle at night time.
“Kaya ako nakaka-swing ng golf tapos nagmo-motor kasi kaya ko pa,” Duterte said in his nationally televised address on Monday night.
“Noong nawala ako ng ilang araw, talagang sinadya ko ‘yon. Pag kinakalkal mo ako, lalo akong, ‘yong parang bata, pagka lalo mo akong kinakantsawan, lalo akong gagana,” he said.
Duterte then slammed his critics, including Senator Leila de Lima, who he said wants him to die early.
“If you want me to die early, you must pray harder,” Duterte said.