Even the country’s leader can have hobbies during his free time.
After drawing flak over his recent absence, President Duterte found nothing wrong with enjoying his hobbies past midnight, saying he does not take the people's time.
Duterte likewise dispelled speculations that he was supposedly so sick that he could not discharge his functions as the country's leader. He claimed that the fact he could still enjoy hobbies like riding a motorbike and playing golf indicated he remained healthy to serve the country.
"Kung sabihin mo may sakit ako ngayon that would prevent me from exercising the powers of the presidency, wala ho (If you say I am sick now that would prevent me from exercising the powers of the president, I am not)," he said during a televised address Monday, April 12.
"Kaya ako nakaka-swing ng golf, tapos nagmomotor eh kasi kaya ko pa (That's why I can swing a golf club and ride a motorcycle, because I can still do it)," he said.
Duterte told critics "to look into the time I enjoy my hobbies," saying he plays golf in the wee hours of the morning.
He also bared plans to ride his motorbike at night and check out the newly road infrastructure. Two police escorts would be enough security detail, he added.
"Kailangan lang ako ng dalawang pulis sa likod ko para walang mag-overtake-overtake at least maiwasan (I would need two police escorts so no one will overtake and avoid accidents). That’s all I need. I just want to ride. Hindi naman masama ‘yan (It's not bad) And to ride at 2 o’clock in the morning, that is not taking the people’s time," he added.
The President made the latest comment after critics speculated about his alleged poor health after he was nowhere in sight for the past two weeks.
Duterte canceled his public address last week after dozens of his security personnel contracted the coronavirus disease. His last televised address was on March 29. Since then, photos of the President jogging, swinging a golf club, and riding a motorbike at night were shared by his former aide and now Senator Christopher Go.