Luneta or Davao? Duterte attendance in Independence Day rites unsure

MANILA, Philippines — Two days before the Philippines mark its 122nd Independence Day, President Rodrigo Duterte’s attendance in the historic commemoration remains unclear.

According to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, only 10 people will be allowed for the Independence rites at Luneta Park on Friday in light of the ban on mass gatherings to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

Roque said that he is unsure whether Duterte—who is currently in his hometown Davao City— will be among the 10 guests in the event.

“Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon dahil sa COVID, sampu lang iyong nandoon sa Luneta ‘no. Pero ewan ko po kung isa doon sa sampu ay si Presidente,” Roque said in an interview over dzRH.

(For the first time due to COVID-19, only 20 guests would be allowed at Luneta Park for the Independence rites. But I’m not sure if the President would be one of those ten.)

“Pero ang alam ko po ay may possibility rin po na baka naman may gawin po sa Davao ang ating Presidente kasi limitado rin sa sampu,” he added.

(But what I know is that there is a possibility that the President might do something in Davao for Independence Day as it is limited to ten.)

Last year, Duterte led the commemoration of the country’s 121st Independence Day with the military at the 6th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Malabang, Lanao del Sur.

In 2018, Duterte delivered his first keynote speech for Independence Day at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite where he was heckled by protesters.

Meanwhile, the Palace earlier urged people who are planning to stage protests on Independence Day to turn to social media and hold demonstrations online to avoid physical contact.