Duterte’s address to the nation to push through sans press briefing

PHOTO FROM MALACANANG PALACE

President Rodrigo Duterte’s press conference is canceled on Tuesday; however, he is still set to deliver a speech in Malacañang later in the afternoon, Palace officials said.

In a message to Palace reporters, Presidential Communications Group Undersecretary Feducia Mia Reyes-Lucas said Duterte’s press conference is no longer included in his Tuesday’s activities.

No reason was given for the cancellation.

The President was initially set to answer questions from members of the press at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Malacañang.

However, Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go said the Chief Executive is still set to deliver a speech to address the nation.

The event will be exclusive to government media, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

He added that the “tête-à-tête” with Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo will also push through.

“Lilinawin ko lang po, matutuloy po ‘yung pina-planong têtê-a-têtê ni Presidente at ni Presidential Legal Counsel Panelo. Ang format po pala ay it will be a close-in event with PTV-4 and RTVM, but I believe that PCOO had previously asked for the questions of the media. So your questions will be asked for you  by Presidential Legal Counsel Panelo,” Roque told reporters.

Duterte’s address to the nation comes at the heels of several issues hounding the government, including the soaring prices of commodities and the revocation of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV’s amnesty.

Duterte’s speech will be followed by the monthly Cabinet meeting in Malacañang. /je