Duterte to spend Holy Week in Davao City

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his speech during the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Committee (MRRD-NECC) National Convention at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on March 21, 2018, reiterates that his campaign against illegal drugs will remain relentless amid criticisms. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Duterte will spend Holy Week in his home city of Davao, including his birthday which falls on Holy Wednesday, according to Malacañang.

Mr. Duterte will turn 73 on March 28.

It has been the practice of Mr. Duterte, a former Davao City mayor, to stay cooped up at home on his birthday, according to his spokesperson, Harry Roque.

“You know, during the President’s birthday, all he does is to lock himself up at home,” Roque told reporters on Thursday

But there could be a celebration in the succeeding days, he said.

For the other days of the Holy Week, Mr. Duterte would just stay in his home province.

There is no work in government offices beginning Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday.

On his birthday last year, Mr. Duterte spent the day at home as well and took the opportunity to catch up on sleep. But in the afternoon, he got a visit from his grandchildren, who woke him up and gathered around him. —LEILA B. SALAVERRIA