Duterte skips Heroes Day rites at Libingan ng mga Bayani

MANILA, Philippines — Two days before leaving for his fifth visit to China, President Duterte skipped the commemoration of National Heroes Day yesterday because he was not feeling well, his former aide said.  

Minutes before the start of the ceremony, former presidential aide and now Sen. Christopher Go informed the media that the President was not coming because he was “indisposed.”

“The President needs to rest...He is not feeling well,” Go told reporters at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. 

He added that Duterte had been busy with paperwork and private meetings.

“He has a lot of sorties. The President signs a lot of papers. Last weekend, he had a meeting with chairman Misuari and other private (meetings),” the senator said. 

Speaker Alan Cayetano represented Duterte during the ceremony, which started at 8 a.m. and attended by civilian government personnel, soldiers, veterans and students. 

Known for his nocturnal schedule, Duterte had skipped key events in the past but it was the first time he failed to attend the commemoration of National Heroes Day. His last public engagement was the launching of a solar facility in Romblon last Wednesday. 

Despite Duterte’s absence at the Heroes Day ceremony, his fifth visit to China would push through, Go said.

The President is scheduled to leave for Beijing on Wednesday to discuss the West Philippine Sea row with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Go expressed optimism that the President would be in good shape by the time he travels to China. 

Duterte was also scheduled to visit yesterday the wake of two soldiers who were killed in a clash with communist rebels in Calbayog, Samar. 

“They are also heroes. They are part of National Heroes’ Day,” the senator said. 

The visit to China was supposed to last for six days but it was shortened supposedly due to lack of time. – With Edith Regalado