President Rodrigo Duterte. AP FILE PHOTO
A Palace official on Monday said that the absence of President Rodrigo Duterte in some events should not be taken against the Chief Executive.
In his first press briefing after the inauguration, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella described Duterte as a “man of action” who does not want to stand in ceremonies.
“Knowing his values, I don’t think it needs to be an issue because we know his priorities and his priorities are really to act. To act in such a way that the common good, the well-being of the people will be addressed,” Abella said.
The Palace official assured that in events where the President’s action is needed, Duterte will be present.
“He doesn’t stand in ceremony. But when you need action, he will be there,” he said.
Duterte did not attend the first flag ceremony of the Office of the President on Monday—his first since he formally became the 16th Philippine President.
READ: President Duterte no show at 1st flag-raising in Malacañang
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea stood in for him.
The President spent his first weekend as the country’s Chief Executive in his hometown Davao City for some much needed rest and “personal time.”
READ: President Duterte back in hometown Davao City
Aside from missing the first flag ceremony of the Office of the President, Duterte also did not attend the Congress proclamation of his landslide victory last May 30.
He sent his lawyers to represent him during the event while Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo attended, along with her three daughters. RAM/rga