President Rodrigo Duterte will spend Christmas with his family in his hometown in Davao City, his spokesman said Thursday.
“He said he will just be with his family, with his grandchildren, as he usually does,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo told reporters.
“Isn’t it last time he did the same? You’ve seen photos of him playing with his grandkids,” Panelo added.
Last year, Duterte spent the holiday season with sick children.
Even before becoming President, Duterte has always celebrated the Yuletide season with his family and by visiting young cancer patients in his hometown, a tradition he has observed since he was mayor.
Meanwhile, Duterte said that he almost fainted during the hour-long recognition rites of Filipino medalists in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
The President had conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu Award with the Rank of Kamagi and distributed over P70-million cash incentives to nearly 600 Filipino athletes in a ceremony held in Malacañang.
“It took us long earlier. My leg is so tired. I just had a motorcycle mishap. But in front of athletes with grit, I would endure the pain,” he said.
“I really thought I would faint. Son of a bitch,” Duterte quipped, drawing laughter from his audience.
He also congratulated the Filipino athletes for bagging the overall championship in the SEA Games hosted by the Philippines.
“Your triumph showcases the athleticism and sporting prowess of our people to our neighbors in Southeast Asia. This is really a big deal to me. Whenever we meet in the ASEAN, I will proudly tell them, ‘Your athletes are really weak,’” Duterte said in his speech.
The Philippines topped the medal tally among all Southeast Asian countries with 149 golds, 117 silvers and 121 bronzes.
“The blood, sweat and tears that you have shed to earn this prestigious recognition is truly inspiring,” the President said.
Gold medalists received P300,000, as stated in Republic Act 10699. Those who bagged silver and bronze received P150,000 and P60,000, respectively.
In his speech, Duterte also said he would talk to Congress and urged lawmakers to increase the allowance of athletes.
“How much is your allowance? Is P250,000 monthly enough? I will just rob our banks,” he said, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
Duterte also urged Filipino medalists to kill those who were involved in illegal drugs.
“If somebody with illegal drugs tries to get near you, just kill him, but not in public. Just in secret. Then walk away,” he said.
The President also discouraged them from pursuing a career in politics.
“Do you want to run as president? Don’t. But for me, no, unless you want to steal and get rich and become overnight billionaire,” he said.