Two world leaders have voiced concern over President Rodrigo Duterte's health after figuring in a motorcycle accident last week.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddyboy Locsin, Jr. said Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah were both worried about Duterte's condition after he reportedly fell off a motorcycle Wednesday night.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: President Duterte Driving Night of the Motorcycle Accident
Locsin met the two leaders in Jakarta on Sunday to witness the inauguration ceremony for Widodo's second term in office. Duterte, 74, sent the country's top diplomat as his representative for the occasion.
"First thing both told me was concern for their good friend President Duterte. Assured them he was fine and fitter than I am, which I admit is not saying much," Locsin said in a tweet Monday morning.
First thing both told me was concern for their good friend President Duterte. Assured them he was fine and fitter than I am which I admit is not saying much. https://t.co/D8Q299oefd— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) October 21, 2019
As of last week, there were three versions of the story: one from Senator and close aide Christopher "Bong" Go, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, and the Presidential Security Group (PSG).
Go said the President, a long-time motorbike aficionado, skidded and fell from his bike, hurting his hip in the process. Meanwhile, Panelo said Duterte had bruises in the elbow and knee after trying to dismount from a parked motorcycle. The PSG had a different take, with Commander Gen. Jose Niembra saying he really didn't crash the bike.
No, the local one. I ditched it for an open neck barong in my formal call on Pres Jokowi that evening. Had a pleasant conversation which began and ended the way a brief meeting at the inaugural itself: he was worried about "my good friend, Duterte." I assured him he was fine. https://t.co/FTNdMsmKzO— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) October 21, 2019
Locsin said Widodo was worried about "my good friend, Duterte." The Cabinet official said he gave assurance that the Philippine President was doing fine. He added that Sultan Bolkiah was particularly concerned that Duterte was not wearing a helmet during the ride.
Locsin said other leaders also asked about the President's condition, but he did not name who they were.
The French legion is on my wall. His Majesty of Brunei along with other leaders expressed same concern for their friend, with Brunei adding, "And not wearing a helmet." Wide admiration for strong men making for strong government—a pure blessing in a time of crime and anarchy. https://t.co/VwcqcjABff— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) October 21, 2019
Indonesia was among the first countries which Duterte visited as President, having flown to Jakarta to meet Widodo after just two months in office. The pair expressed a mutual commitment to crack down on illegal drugs.
READ: President's Man Bong Go: Duterte for Fine After Motorcycle Accident
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This article first appeared on CNN Philippines.
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