Palace on Duterte’s Rizal Day absence: He’s resting

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines —President Rodrigo Duterte’s doctor asked him to rest and skip the 122nd commemoration of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal in Davao City, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Sunday.

“Due to his punishing volume of work and his schedule of activities that include out of town trips, he has been advised to rest,” Panelo told reporters in a text message.

Asked if it was his doctor who asked him to take a rest, Panelo said: “Obviously.”

The President skipped the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony for the Rizal Day event in Davao City. Instead, he was represented by his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

READ: Duterte no-show at Rizal Day rites in Davao

In a separate text message, Duterte’s former aide Christopher “Bong” Go also confirmed that the doctor asked the Chief Executive to take the day off because he’s been “very busy the past few days.” /jpv