Duterte makes another HK ‘getaway’ trip with wife, daughter

This file photo, taken on Oct. 6, 2018, shows President Rodrigo Duterte in a shop in Hong Kong with partner Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña, daughter Kitty, and Christopher Go, who was then his special assistant. (Photo courtesy of CHRISTOPHER GO)

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte went on an unannounced “weekend getaway” to Hong Kong with his partner Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña and daughter Veronica, nicknamed Kitty.

Former presidential aide Christopher “Bong” Go confirmed this to reporters in a text message Saturday night.

Go said the President flew to Hong Kong late Friday night and would return on Sunday.

“Totoo po na pumunta ng Hong Kong si Pagulong Duterte na kasama ang long-time partner nya na si Ma’am Honeylet Avanceña at anak nila na si Kitty para sa isang personal na biyahe,” Go said. “It was actually Kitty who requested her father for the trip, as a gift. Nagawa na ito nila noon kahit nung Mayor pa ng Davao City si PRRD. The weekend getaway is for rest and recreation.”

[It’s true that President Duterte went to Hong Kong with his long-time partner Ma’am Honeylet Avanceña and their daughter Kitty for a personal trip. It was actually Kitty who requested her father for the trip, as a gift. They had done this before when PRRD was still Mayor of Davao City. The weekend getaway is for rest and recreation.]

“PRRD” stands for “President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.”

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the trip was for Avanceña’s birthday.

“Yes, he is in HK with Honeylet. It’s the latter’s birthday today,” Panelo said.

Go also said the President appointed Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as officer-in-charge of the Office of the President.

This was not the first time Duterte had gone on an unannounced trip to Hong Kong.

In October 2018, Duterte also when there with Avanceña and Kitty to “rest.” /atm

READ: LOOK: Duterte in Hong Kong with Honeylet, Kitty to rest

Honeylet Avanceña, partner of President Rodrigo Duterte (right) blows the candle on her cake on Feb. 16, 2019, as she celebrates her birthday in Hong Kong. PHOTO COURTESY OF BONG GO

President Rodrigo Duterte (right), his partner Honeylet (left) and daughter, Kitty, have their picture taken on Feb. 16, 2019. PHOTO COURTESY OF BONG GO