Duterte in Davao for ‘personal time,’ rest–Palace execs

DAVAO CITY—Two Malacañang officials on Saturday revealed why President Rodrigo Duterte returned to his hometown just two days after his inauguration.

In a text message, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella told INQUIRER.net: “As far as I know, it’s personal time.”

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, in a separate text message, said the 71-year-old Chief Executive went back to his hometown to get some rest.

Duterte arrived in this city on Friday night via private plane accompanied by his common-law wife Honeylet Avanceña and their daughter Veronica.

He was accorded full military honors upon his arrival.

In an interview with reporters, Duterte’s son Paolo said his father would likely split his workweek shuttling between Manila and Davao.

“He will spend three days in Manila and spend three days in Davao City,” the incumbent city vice mayor said.

Asked what would his father do on Sundays, Paolo said in jest: “Maybe in Church, I don’t know.”

Andanar said the President would return to Manila on Monday.