President Rodrigo Duterte. PCOO/Simeon Celi
QUEZON CITY, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday (August 27) denied rumors that his trip to Israel next week is for medical reasons.
“Kung operahan nila ang utak ko doon, mas maganda. Wala namang problema,” the President said in jest in response to claims by opposition lawmakers, particularly Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano who, on Friday, alleged in his tweet that the President is flying to Israel to seek medical help.
As the first Philippine leader to visit Israel since ties were established in 1957, President Duterte said the purpose of the trip is primarily to check on the conditions of Filipino workers in the country and expand bilateral cooperation.
The President expressed concern over the growing tensions in the region that could affect Filipino workers there.
“(I’ll be) there because of the 28,000 Filipinos. And it’s getting hotter there. And also on the Lebanese front, there is something brewing there. And in Jordan, we have 48,000 Filipinos. That’s why I am bringing Cimatu to prepare for that eventuality and just in case of war breaks out there,” he said.
Also, President Duterte in his remarks said he would bring a group of retiring police and military officers with him to Israel.
“I would be going there with some of the retiring military and police officers. That is my gift to them for serving the country well,” he said.
The Philippines has been known in history for opening its doors to give refuge to around 1,300 Jews fleeing the Holocaust during the Nazi regime. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Rosalie Coz)
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