Duterte explains absence, discusses Putin talks

President Rodrigo Duterte delivered a televised public address on Thursday night, April 15, 2021, his second in the week following a two-week absence.

He stated that his absence was intentional to address critics questioning his whereabouts.

During his address, Duterte discussed his teleconference with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, covering cooperation in fighting COVID-19, defense, trade, agriculture, energy, and politics.

Previously, Duterte's talk was postponed twice last week, leading to health concerns.

Senator Bong Go had shared photos of the President jogging and riding a motorcycle to assure the public of his health, stating Duterte tested negative for COVID-19 and had no symptoms.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque had defended Duterte's lack of public appearances, saying decisions were made remotely, and Roque himself was recovering from COVID-19.