DAVAO CITY — Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte was prohibited by doctors from attending his father's first State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The mayor, who has been insistent that his brothers Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo and Sebastian attend President Rodrigo Duterte's SONA with her, was barred from attending by doctors from St. Luke's Hospital when she went for a medical check-up after arriving in Manila early morning on Monday. Sara was advised to have complete rest at least for a couple of days by her doctor.
"But there is nothing to worry. The mayor is doing well now," City Information Office head Jeffrey Tupas said.
She will instead be represented by her husband, Atty. Manases Carpio.
According to Tupas, Sara said not being able to attend the SONA is something that she deeply regrets.
"She wants to be with the president during this very important occasion and proud moment for the Filipinos and the Philippines," Tupas explained.
Sara is supposed to represent her mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman, and her brothers Paolo and Sebastian.
Philstar.com tried to contact the mayor regarding the reason for her rest but she has not responded yet.
In a media interview on Friday, Sara said she expect her father's SONA to detail how the promise of change made during the campaign would be fulfilled, and how this promise could eventually create meaningful changes and developments in the lives of Filipinos.