Palace: No intention to snub Kris Aquino

THE AQUINO sisters (from left) Viel, Pinky, Kris and Ballsy INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/Edwin Bacasmas

Malacañang on Sunday said President Rodrigo Duterte did not intentionally skip his interview with television host-actress Kris Aquino.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said even the presidential communications team was ready to cover the event last Friday in Davao City, which was skipped by Duterte due to migraine.

“The Presidential Communications Operations Office was ready and are covering the entire event. The PTV-4, RTVM, Radyo ng Bayan, the protocol office were all there and we were also anticipating the guesting of the President or attending the event. And it’s just unfortunate that he was not able to attend,” Andanar said over radio DZBB.

“There was no intention to snub Kris Aquino. Again, ulitin ko po, the alter ego of the President at the Department of Trade and Industry, Secretary Mon Lopez is there, he’s the one who spoke on behalf of the President,” he added.

READ: First date: Duterte no-show in interview with Kris

Andanar noted that “the whole force of the government” supported the program, which was a summit of micro, small and medium enterprises in the President’s hometown.

The cancelled interview was supposed to mark Aquino’s television hosting comeback, months after leaving ABS-CBN. Officials said Duterte, who arrived from a visit to Thailand and Malaysia on Friday, was not feeling well.

Aquino, sister of Duterte’s predecessor Benigno Aquino III, made light of the President’s non-appearance, saying that first dates don’t always push through and that she was hoping Duterte will give her a chance.

On Instagram, Aquino said she was “humble and realistic enough to admit it was an epic snub.”

“P.S. To all of you: my family, friends, and compassionate netizens- group hug tayo? Thank you for showing me love and appreciation,” she wrote in the caption of a graphic of the phrase “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade” and screenshots of articles about netizens praising her hosting. JE/rga

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