Palace: Duterte health not a concern after near-fall

Malacañang assured the public that President Rodrigo Duterte's health is not a cause for concern following an incident where he nearly lost his balance on his way to deliver his final State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque stated that the incident appeared to be a simple slip, attributing it to a slippery carpet or someone stepping on the President's feet.

Duterte himself confirmed he slipped because someone stepped on his foot, but denied rumors of hospitalization, assuring the public there was no reason to worry about his health.

He also denied being rushed to the hospital, stating he took a helicopter initially but then traveled by land to Emperor Restaurant for a meal.

Duterte, being a senior citizen at 76 years old, does not have any "extraordinary problem" and his near-fall was likely just a slip.

During the SONA, Duterte joked about contracting COVID-19 and asked if an ambulance was on standby.

Roque added that Duterte had the strength after the SONA to socialize with lawmakers and other officials.