Duterte reappears after almost a week out of public eye

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte made his first public appearance on Tuesday afternoon following six days of being out of the public eye.

Duterte graced the distribution of land titles which is part of the 31st Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) anniversary celebration at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) head office in Quezon City.

President Duterte finally arrives at the Department of Agrarian Reform head office in Quezon City for the 31st CARP anniversary celebration. This is Duterte's first public engagement since Wednesday last week. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/jSTkoLvBuR

— Darryl John Esguerra (@drrylesguerra) August 27, 2019

The President was last seen in public on Wednesday, August 20, when he inaugurated a hybrid solar-diesel power plant project in Odiongan, Tablas Island, Romblon.

Duterte also skipped the National Heroes Day rites at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday morning.

Duterte’s longtime aide and now Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said Monday that the President was “indisposed” and could not lead the celebration.

But his spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte “was not able to come (to the Heroes Day rites) because either he is busy with some work or he could not make it that early given the fact he is a night person.”

Go added that the President has been busy attending “private meetings” and assured that there’s nothing to worry about Duterte’s health.

READ: Panelo defends Duterte’s absence in gov’t rites 

READ: Indisposed Duterte skipping National Heroes’ Day rites

Duterte on Monday night made an unannounced visit to the Libingan ng mga Bayani. He visited the wake of the soldiers who was killed in Calbayog, Samar and lit a candle in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after skipping the Heroes Day rites that morning.

Duterte’s absence in public engagements sparked speculations about his health.

The President’s state of health has been a recurring issue in his presidency given his advanced age.

Duterte, now 74, is the oldest Philippine president upon assumption to the post.