Malacañang on Wednesday allayed concerns over President Rodrigo Duterte’s health, reiterating that he remains healthy despite his admission to having the Barrett’s esophagus ailment that is “nearing stage one cancer.”

The advice was given by his doctor a “long time ago,” Malacañang said as it assured the public that nothing hinders the Chief Executive’s daily official function.

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the flat pink lining of the swallowing tube that connects the mouth to the stomach (esophagus) becomes damaged by acid reflux, which causes the lining to thicken and become red.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the public is just “putting too much meaning” on Duterte’s remarks in his recent public address, adding that the 75-year-old Philippine leader is still fit for a person his age.

“I think that advice was given to him a long time ago when the President was still drinking. He has since stopped drinking and as far as I know since he became President he has not resumed drinking,” Roque said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

“So you’re talking of a medical advice that happened many years ago, even prior to the presidency. And I think the reason why the President stopped drinking is to prevent it from developing into stage one cancer. That is the context of what the President said,” he added.

“The President is stronger than a carabao,” Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said. Go used to be Duterte’s Special Assistant to the President, a continuation of his job when he served the former Davao City Mayor prior to his stint in Malacañang.

Go remains on the side of the President even during officials functions.

“I’ve been with him (Duterte) for more than two decades. I know his state of health. He does not have any serious concerns regarding his health,” Go reiterated.

In a pre-recorded address aired Tuesday morning, Duterte bared that his doctor had advised him to refrain from drinking alcohol because his Barrett’s esophagus ailment might lead to stage one cancer. The President, however, did not mention when he had this medical consultation done.

“‘You, Duterte, do not drink because your Barrett is nearing stage one cancer,’” Duterte said, quoting his doctor.

His remarks fueled speculations on his alleged deteriorating health, but Roque noted that the President would inform the public if he has a serious illness as stated under Section 12, Article 7 of the 1987 Constitution.

“If it is cancer or any other serious illness, he will report it to the people… He will not hide anything. He is transparent,” the Palace official said.

“As of now he has no serious condition,” Roque added.

The President has previously admitted that aside from Barrett’s esophagus, he suffers from Buerger’s disease.

Buerger’s disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) affects blood vessels in the body, most commonly in the arms and legs. Blood vessels swell, which can prevent blood flow, causing clots to form. This can lead to pain, tissue damage and even gangrene (the death or decay of body tissues), which may require amputation of the affected areas of the body in some cases.

Myasthenia gravis, meanwhile, is an autoimmune condition that destroys muscle receptors and can result in the drooping of eyelids or overall weakness.

Duterte also said he has been experiencing occasional headaches and has spinal issues which he attributes to a motorcycle accident when he was 68 years old. He also admitted to taking sleeping pills and the highly addictive Fentanyl.

Despite his many claims of ailments, Duterte and Malacañang have refused to publicize his medical bulletin. (Daily Tribune)