No frills: Duterte to spend Christmas in Davao City – Panelo

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte will again spend Christmas with his family in Davao City for the third straight year, Malacañang said Friday.

“He does it every Christmas or birthdays. He spends it with his family always. No frills,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

Panelo said Duterte would again visit kids with cancers and the handicapped just like what he did in previous years.

“That has always been his style [during Christmas],” he said.

“President Duterte has a soft spot for the handicapped, children with special needs, cancer-stricken. There you will see his compassion. He sheds tears every time,” he added.

In 2017, Duterte celebrated Christmas visiting families of Davao City mall fire victims.

Duterte usually spent “noche Buena” and celebrated Christmas with his family and grandchildren in his hometown. /kga