Duterte no-show at Rizal Day rites in Davao

MANILA, Philippines —President Rodrigo Duterte did not show up in the 122nd commemoration of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal in Davao City.

Duterte was set to lead the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony for the national hero in Rizal Park in Davao City on Sunday afternoon.

Instead, the President was represented by his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Duterte’s former aide Christopher “Bong” Go, in a text message to INQUIRER.net, said the President skipped the event to “rest.”

In his Rizal Day message, which was released by Malacañang earlier, Duterte asked Filipinos to embody the national hero’s patriotism in all endeavors.

READ: Duterte to Filipinos: Let us embody Rizal’s patriotism

“Let this be an opportunity to honor Rizal for shaping our history as a nation. Together, let us embody his patriotism in all our endeavors as we build the society that he envisioned for the Filipino people,” Duterte said.

In his prepared speech read by the Davao City mayor during the ceremony, Duterte recognized the efforts of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and its partners for successfully organizing this year’s commemoration of Rizal Day.

“I encourage everyone to dedicate your skills and talents to love and serve our country just as Rizal did more than a hundred years ago,” he said.