Rody not making personal appearances

BLAME it on the traffic. There will be no more guest appearances for President Duterte in Metro Manila.

After opting not to be addressed as “Your Excellency,” President Duterte yesterday apologized to those who would invite him to grace their events if he turned down their invitations in Metro Manila.

Mr. Duterte, who has shunned the traditional accolades given to the occupant of Malacanang, said the reason for skipping guesting engagements in the metropolis was “very simple.”

“As President, my travels always include protocols and security measures which create traffic congestion and disturb the flow of everyday lives and activities,” the President said in an “Open Letter to my Fellow Filipinos” read by his spokesperson, Undersecretary Ernesto Abella.

“Until such time as we have effectively addressed these matters, please understand that I may need to decline your warm and respectful invitations. My deepest apologies,” the President said.

“But please bear in mind that I have only your, the people’s and the nation’s best intentions at heart,” he added.

Although he regarded their invitations “a privilege and his responsibility to be in touch with the people,” Mr. Duterte said he had to consider the inconvenience his movements usually entailed.

“As it is, we are still burdened by traffic issues in the Metro Manila area,” he said. “It seems only prudent and sensible not to add unnecessary stress to our efforts of creating comfortable lives that include all.” With Aries Joseph Hegina, Inquirer.net