Philippines’ Duterte says he is cancer free

菲總統杜特蒂說他並未罹癌

Duterte says recent cancer test comes back negative


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte said on Oct. 9 that medical tests suggest he does not have cancer, after having a colonoscopy earlier this month.

“We can drink now, really. I'll give you a run for your money," Duterte told a journalist after explaining the good news, reported AP.

Duterte said in a public address on Oct. 4 that he was awaiting the results of a cancer test, leading to wide conjecture in the Philippine and international media about what implications this might have for the Southeast Asian nation.

Duterte previously told his cabinet of the news on the evening of Oct. 8, according to Philippine officials.

The 73-year old president has previously been linked to concerns surrounding his health, some of which has been spurred on by unexplained absences form public view.

Last weekend Duterte took an impromptu trip to Hong Kong with his daughter and some presidential assistants, without telling some of his senior staff.

Duterte said he will not publically release the health report, according to AP.