President Rodrigo Duterte skipped anew his scheduled visit to earthquake victims in Malalag and Padada towns in Davao del Sur on Friday.
Two officials close to the President offered different explanations as to why Duterte skipped the event.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President was absent since he was recently deprived of sleep due to his punishing schedule, but Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said the Chief Executive suffered from stomachache.
The events were originally scheduled on Thursday afternoon but it was moved to Friday since the President was not feeling well.
Go, as well as Duterte’s son, Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, attended the activity in behalf of the President.
It was not clear yet if the President would attend the change-of-command rites at the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City to officially install Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., replacing Gen. Noel Clement.
This was not the first time Duterte canceled his public engagements due to sickness but the President himself has dismissed concerns about his health.
President Duterte was last seen by the public on Monday during the wreath-laying rites in Davao City in commemoration of the 123rd year of Dr. Jose Rizal’s martyrdom.
He also visited the earthquake victims in M’lang, North Cotabato on that day. Afterwards, he attended the anniversary celebration of Cor Jesu College in Digos City, Davao del Sur.