MANILA, Philippines — A month before he steps down as chief executive, outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte sings before his men in the Malacañang Palace in what could be his literal swan song.
In a video posted by Commission of Higher Education Prospero De Vera on Monday night, Duterte could be seen soulfully performing Regine Velasquez’s “Ikaw,” accompanied by the Philippine Harmonic Orchestra, before a crowd in Malacañang in a “thanksgiving party” for his Cabinet.
From Facebook
“It was sort of a thanksgiving dinner hosted by Prrd (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) for his Cabinet,” acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said in a text message to reporters on Tuesday.
From Facebook
Duterte held a Cabinet meeting on Monday, which could be the last one before his administration ends by June 30, according to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.
In separate posts, De Vera also posted photos of him and Duterte, thanking the outgoing President for the “privilege of serving under your administration” in the caption.
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“One last fist pump for the Duterte administration!!” De Vera wrote in one of his posts.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat also posted some scenes on Monday’s nights events on her Instagram account, including a video where Duterte addressed his men in a speech, thanking them for their service.
“I look forward to seeing you even beyond my term, continuing your service for the Filipino people. Daghang salamat,” Duterte said.
Duterte will step down from office by noon of June 30. He will be succeeded by President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
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