Last weekend the Philippines was engulfed by rumours that the country’s mercurial president, Rodrigo Duterte, had died. The 73-year-old had cancelled a public appearance in Palo, Leyte, last Friday citing illness. Then, for reasons that are as yet unclear, news of his death spread. On Sunday, Duterte addressed the rumours in typically unconventional fashion: via a live video on Facebook. “For those,” he said, “who believe in the news that I passed away, then I request of you, please pray for the eternal repose of my soul.”