MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte skipped this year’s Alumni Homecoming of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).
Duterte was represented by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during the annual event at the PMA in Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City on Saturday. The Chief Executive delivered his speech through a taped video.
“My warmest greetings to the alumni of PMA on the occasion of your homecoming. I acknowledge the many efforts of the alumni of the PMA in protecting the Filipino people from various threats to our peace and security,” he said in his message.
“I am certain that every batch has a heroic achievement to be proud of, for which I commend you. May you enjoy this fair occasion and derive from it a renewed sense of patriotism and passion to serve. I wish you a meaningful and memorable event,” he added.
INQUIRER.net asked acting presidential spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles for the reason behind Duterte’s absence but has yet to receive a reply as of posting time.
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