Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he did not have cancer, following a biopsy last week at a private hospital that proved negative for the disease.

"I'm still not cancerous," Duterte told a televised briefing at the presidential palace.

"So do not be afraid to go near me, I will not contaminate you."

The public has been clamouring for information about Duterte's health after the 73-year-old missed two official events last week.

Earlier, Duterte's acting interior minister Eduardo Ano said the president had told a cabinet meeting on Monday night that he did not have cancer.

The president's spokesperson then said that Duterte's health "is not serious" and it will remain a confidential matter.

"The president will abide by the constitution, but because it is not serious, he will treat his medical condition as confidential," Harry Roque told a news briefing.