This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
On October 17, 2019, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was involved in a motorcycle accident at the Malacanang presidential palace compound, leaving him with minor injuries.
According to senior aides, Duterte, 74, suffered scratches and bruises to his elbow and knee after falling off his motorcycle while trying to park it.
Spokesman Salvador Panelo stated that the president was reaching for his shoe when he lost his balance and fell, resulting in the minor injury.
Senator Christopher 'Bong' Go had earlier reported that Duterte had 'crashed' and complained of hip pain, but was not hospitalized.
Panelo cited Duterte's girlfriend Cielito 'Honeylet' Avancena, saying that the president's injury would not require major treatment and that there was 'nothing to worry about.'
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about Duterte's health, which has been the subject of intense public speculation since he took office in 2016.
