On Duterte’s Christmas menu: Fire, floods

DAVAO CITY—President Duterte spent Christmas at home, monitoring developments in flooded areas due to Tropical Storm “Vinta” as well as the progress of the fire at the NCCC Mall here, a source said on Sunday.

“The food was simple as in the past but it was barely touched because of the developments. The President barely smiled and was on the phone most of the time,” said the source, who declined to be identified for lack of authority to speak on the matter.

There were fish and noodles on the menu and Mr. Duterte’s favorite suman (rice cake).

The source said the President’s grandchildren came gathered around him and greeted each other “Merry Christmas” at the strike of 12 midnight.

It was not known if Mr. Duterte would be visiting the Bahay Pasilungan, a facility for street children here and the Co Su Gian Center for the elderly, as he did in the past.

Another source said the President decided to stay at home on Sunday to catch some rest as he was sleepless on Saturday, having spent hours with relatives of the NCCC Mall fire victims.