President Duterte no show at 1st flag-raising in Malacañang

President Rodrigo Duterte strikes a pose like the UP Oblation at his last flag-raising ceremony as mayor of Davao City. Duterte was absent from Malacañang’s flag-raising ceremony on Monday, July 4, 2016, his supposed first as President. ACE MORANDANTE/CONTRIBUTOR

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte was absent on Monday at his  first flag-raising ceremony in Malacañang as Chief Executive.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea stood in for him.

“Last Saturday, I was informed that in lieu of the President’s possible inability to attend this morning’s flag-raising ceremony, I am being requested to stand in behalf of the President,” Medialdea said.

He then delivered a short speech on how his friendship with the firebrand President started.

Medialdea also asked the staff of the Office of the President to support Duterte.

“I therefore request all of you to extend that solid support regardless of your personal opinions and preferences. He is a good person,” he said.

Duterte spent his weekend in this city to rest and have some personal time after his inauguration.

According to Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar, the President will return to Manila on Monday.

However, an ABS-CBN News report, citing a source, said that the  President had returned to Manila late Sunday night./rga