Outgoing Department of National Defense (DND) secretary Delfin Lorenzana made headlines on June 12 morning during the Independence Day rites at the Rizal Park. Lorenzana fainted and collapsed during the event led by President Rodrigo Duterte. The 73 year old secretary was immediately rushed to the hospital. 

In a press statement released by the DND spokesperson, the hectic schedules and the extreme temperature at the venue caused the fatigue. The Secretary of National Defense was in a series of travel and work duties and engagements before the Independence ceremony. 

"The SND just arrived from Singapore early this morning after attending the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue and meeting with his foreign counterparts. The Secretary also traveled recently to South Korea and other parts of the Philippines, while overseeing the defense operations of the country and transition to a new administration. His hectic schedule during the last few weeks and the extreme temperatures in Luneta earlier today may have resulted in his fatigue."

"Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana is currently in stable condition and has been advised to rest after fainting during the Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony at Rizal Park this morning, June 12." 

On his Facebook, Secretary Lorenzana posted a photo of him in a hospital with a 'thumbs up' indicating that he is fine and resting well after tests conducted.

“But as the saying goes, a true soldier always gets up quickly after a fall,” he said.