MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte is under the weather and will skip Monday’s National Heroes Day rites, his former aide and now Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go announced.
“He is indisposed. Kailangan lang ng pahinga … Medyo masama lang pakiramdam (He is not feeling well, he just needs to rest),” Go said.
Go, however, assured that there is nothing to worry about the 74-year-old President’s health.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also confirmed the President’s absence from the ceremony.
In a statement, Duterte’s spokesman Salvador Panelo said Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano will represent the President in today’s ceremony.
Duterte, however, is scheduled to visit this afternoon the wake of the two soldiers who died in a clash with communist rebels in an upland village in Calbayog City, Samar last week, go said.
Duterte, who usually commits only to events in the afternoon or evening, was supposed to lead the National Heroes Day ceremony on Monday morning at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
In his National Heroes Day message, Duterte urged Filipinos to become everyday heroes and help people in need.
READ: Duterte to Filipinos: Be everyday heroes to people in need
He also asked Filipinos to reflect on our history and “honor the brave souls who courageously fought for our freedom and the democratic ideals upon which our nation was founded.”
“Their collective sacrifice has made it possible for us to enjoy the blessings of liberty and to continue strengthening this great nation that they have left behind,” he said.
The President attended the event last year. He witnessed the raising of the Philippine flag and saluted to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. /gsg