Philippine President Duterte says he has chronic neuromuscular disorder

MANILA, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo
Duterte said he has a chronic neuromuscular disorder called
myasthenia gravis that is causing one of his eyelids to droop.
Duterte made the comment about his condition while speaking
on Saturday to the Filipino community in Russia, where he was on
a working visit.
"It is a nerve malfunction," Duterte said, explaining to the
crowd why one eye appears smaller than the other. His remarks
were contained in a transcript that was emailed to the media in
the Philippines on Sunday.
There is no cure for myasthenia gravis, an illness that
causes muscle weakness, but treatment can help relieve symptoms.
The firebrand leader, 74 is known for a busy schedule and
for giving long speeches, often several a day. Several
disappearances from public view in the past fuelled rumours he
is in declining health. The government has repeatedly denied
that.
Duterte's latest comments could raise more questions about
the state of his health.
Duterte's known ailments include back problems, migraines
due to nerve damage after a motorcycle accident and Barrett's
oesophagus, which affects his throat. He also suffers from
Buerger's disease, caused by his heavy smoking in younger days,
which can cause blockages in the blood vessels.
Last October, Duterte underwent a colonoscopy, a procedure
to check the health of the rectum and lower bowel, which
officials said the president does on yearly basis.
The Philippine Constitution mandates that the public must be
informed of the state of the president's health in case he has a
serious illness.
Under Philippine laws, if a sitting president dies in
office, is permanently disabled or removed through impeachment,
the vice president takes over and serves the remaining years in
a six-year, single term. Vice President Leni Robredo, a leader
of the political opposition, was elected in 2016, the same year
Duterte was elected.