The private visit to Hong Kong came to light when photos of the President at a Uniqlo store in China’s special administrative region circulated on social media.
“Before we get preempted by fake news, the President also needs to rest,” said his special assistant, Christopher Go, in a Facebook post on Saturday night.
Go posted his own photos of the President’s visit to Hong Kong with his partner, Honeylet Avanceña, and his youngest daughter, Veronica.
The official accompanied the family and apparently took the photos.
Journalist Ellen Tordesillas, however, was the first to post photos of the President inside the Uniqlo store in Hong Kong, a black mask covering his face.
The President’s visit to Hong Kong came just days after he underwent a second endoscopy and colonoscopy, and his assurance that he would inform the public if he has cancer.
Go said the President arrived in Hong Kong on Friday night and was expected to fly back to the Philippines on Sunday night.
His statements were contrary to the statement of presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who said the President was in Davao on Saturday.
For his part, Communication Secretary Martin Andanar said the President had been frequenting Hong Kong even before he became President.
“I think he really deserves family time, to walk around, eat the food he wants to eat or buy clothes that he wants,” Andanar said in a radio interview. “The President is very hardworking, so it’s also good that he enjoy himself there without any distractions.”
Go posted on Facebook photos of the President having dinner with his family, strolling around in Hong Kong, and inspecting yellow jackets and sweaters.
“Even if the Yellows constantly criticize Tatay Digong, he still managed to pick out clothes in yellow,” Go said in Filipino.