President Duterte skipped the Independence Day rites held in Rizal Park, Manila on Monday due to exhaustion, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano.
Minutes before the Independence Day rites, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto C. Abella informed reporters Duterte will not be able to make it to the ceremony. Abella said the Chief Executive did not state any specific reason for this and refused to answer questions from the press.
“He will not be able to come this morning. He did not give any reason why,” Abella told reporters awaiting the President’s arrival in Luneta.
This was supposed to be Duterte’s first Independence Day as President. The country’s Chief Executive usually attends the Independence Day rites to commemorate one of the most significant events in Philippine history.
In lieu of the absent Duterte, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano marched with Vice President Maria Leonor G. Robredo, his former election rival, to offer a wreath to the country’s heroes. Cayetano also stood side by side with Robredo in the flag-raising ceremony.
After the rites, Cayetano told reporters Duterte had to skip his first Independence Day as President as he lacked sleep after attending to several businesses prior to the event. Duterte last Sunday visited wounded-in-action soldiers in Cagayan de Oro City, before giving his final salutes to killed-in-action government troops brought in Pasay City.
“You know the President has been working [whole day, whole week], meeting the troops, meeting the commanders and then late last night, visiting the wounded and those who died in conflict. So that’s why this morning, he didn’t feel that well,” Cayetano said.
“I don’t have the full details but I received the call around 5:30 a.m. from his people and they said, ‘No problem. He’s okay, but tired. He doesn’t feel that well so better [for him] to rest’,” Cayetano added.
Cayetano said the Chief Executive opted to rest the morning away. His aides did not force him to get up from bed and force the issue as he only slept for about three hours.
In a statement, United States Secretary Rex W. Tillerson congratulated the Philippines, on behalf of President Donald J. Trump and the American people, in its celebration of its 119th Independence Day.
Tillerson said the US is “proud” of its longstanding relationship with the Philippines, especially at a time the country is facing the threat of terrorism and extremism.
“We admire the resilience and strength of Filipino people in battling adversity and building a more prosperous and secure future. On this special day, we honor the enduring US-Philippines alliance built on our shared democratic values, growing commerce and strong people-to-people ties,” he said.
Image credits: Alysa Salen
3 comments
Nasaan mga Dutertards tahimik yata?curious lang……………Wala akong partidong pinapanigan for the record
Because he feels that we are still not free. Nanjan pa yung mga dilawan aka LP and their allies. Independence day is a celebration. Celebration of freedom; and we are not free from corruption so it’s too early to celebrate.
Akong tambag sa presidente, dili unta siya unta mopakyas ug apil kong naay mga celebrasyon nga ingon ka importante sama sa independence day bisan ug gikapoy siya. Mao bitaw gibutang nato siya sa Malacanang aron maoy mangulo nato sa tanan. To much tiredness is not a reason. Mao nay akong tambag kay a good leader should be a good follower. Our support to your campaign against criminality/terrorism is enough nga di ka maluya!