MLANG, NORTH COTABATO鈥擯resident Rodrigo Duterte on Monday (Dec. 30) threw decorum to the wind, admitting he still takes medicines for erectile dysfunction (ED) that often gave him headaches and stomach pains.
Speaking to residents still reeling from the impact of a series of quakes in the province, Duterte said at the age of 74, he already takes a lot of medicines, including Viagra, a prescription tablet for ED.
The truth-telling, by now no longer uncommon for Duterte, drew laughter from the crowd, mostly evacuees who had been displaced by the quakes that rocked this part of Mindanao last October and this December.
鈥淎t the age of 74, I am taking a lot of medicines, including Viagra,鈥� said Duterte. 鈥淭here鈥檚 no more,鈥� he said, cutting short the statement.
鈥淭his is what I can say: You can determine those people using it because they have pale skin,鈥� Duterte said to the cheer of the crowd.
It was not the first time that the President spoke about Viagra before a big gathering of people.
Before he became President, Duterte had openly declared his relationship with other women, arguing that he was already considered single after his first marriage ended.
The President also said during his speech he told God to shorten his life after finishing his term as President.
鈥淚 said (to God), 鈥楢fter my term, don鈥檛 allow me to stay long. Just give me aneurysm,鈥� Duterte said referring to a deadly swelling of nerves due to artery blockage.
鈥淲hy will you extend your life if you are in pain and suffering?鈥� he said.