MANILA, Philippines _ Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte said he was uncertain if he's still physically fit and signaled a readiness to step down if he has any serious illness such as cancer.
"I don't know where I am now physically but I have to wait for the results" of the tests, the 73-year old leader told graduates of the Philippine Military Academy on Thursday, admitting he had gone to a hospital for digestive tract tests, which his aides have denied.
"But I would tell you that _ if it's cancer, it's cancer. And if it's third stage, no more treatment. I will not prolong my agony in this office or anywhere," Duterte said, according to a transcript of his speech sent by his office Friday morning.
The controversial leader, who's presiding over a deadly drug war that has killed thousands since he took office in June 2016, has long complained of suffering from Barrett's esophagus _ an inflammation of the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach _ from alcohol use when he was younger.
He has also admitted to having daily migraine and spinal issues, in addition to an illness affecting the blood vessels called Buerger's disease caused by smoking.
Duterte said on Thursday that his acid reflux has gotten worse. Three weeks ago he had endoscopy and colonoscopy and, on Wednesday, he canceled appointments so he could go to the hospital after his doctor ordered some tests. A few hours before his admission, his spokesman Harry Roque denied that the president was hospitalized.
The president is required under the country's constitution to disclose any serious illness to the public, and will be replaced by the vice president if he decides to step down.
The incumbent vice president, Leni Robredo, is the leader of the opposition Liberal Party, and is facing an electoral protest from former Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the son of the former dictator. Duterte, whose six-year term is scheduled to end in 2022, has said previously that he would rather have Marcos take his place.
