Philippines’ Duterte says underwent ‘cancer’ testing

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has revealed that he is awaiting the results of fresh medical tests, adding that “if it’s cancer, it’s cancer”. In a speech late Thursday the president said he underwent an endoscopy and colonoscopy about three weeks ago but that he was advised this week to repeat the tests. “I don’t know where I’m at now physically, I have to wait for that. But I would tell you that if it’s cancer, it’s cancer,” he said. “And if it’s third stage, no more treatment. I will not prolong my agony in this office or anywhere,” he added.

The government had denied the leader was having health problems, with spokesman Harry Roque saying the president “just took his day off.” “I assure you that I have no information that he went to a hospital,” Roque added. However, in Duterte’s Thursdayspeech he said: “There was supposed to be a cabinet meeting, that was yesterday, but... Somebody advised my doctor just to repeat and get some (medical) samples.”