Duterte to lead Rizal Day rites in Davao City

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will lead the Rizal Day rites in Davao City on Monday morning, December 30, Malacañang said Sunday.

Communications Assistant Secretary for special concerns Joseph Lawrence Garcia said the President would lead the 123rd commemoration of Rizal’s death at the Rizal Park in Davao City.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier said that Duterte would skip this year’s Rizal Day rites because he would rather honor other Filipino heroes who do not have a date to commemorate their heroism.

READ: Duterte to skip Rizal Day rites for 2nd straight year

Panelo told reporters that Duterte wanted to honor Gregorio del Pilar on Rizal Day.

In 2018, Duterte skipped the Rizal Day rites in his hometown to rest.

READ: Duterte skips Rizal Day rites in Davao City to rest, says Bong Go

After the ceremony, Duterte is expected to  visit quake victims in M’lang Cotabato and Digos City.

Mindanao had been hit by several powerful quakes this year.

READ: Mindanao quakes death toll now at 17; over 29,300 families affected

Edited by JE