Duterte’s assistant takes helicopter to Ultra Sports Complex

MANILA, Philippines — A helicopter transporting President Duterte’s assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino made a landing at the Ultra Sports Complex in Pasig City on Tuesday.

 A video showing Dino stepping out of the helicopter in the middle of the race track went viral on social media.

The post claimed that the incident disrupted an event of the Department of Education (DepEd).

In a statement, Dino’s office said the helicopter stopped at Ultra to pick up passengers.

“He had no way of knowing that there was an ongoing event in Ultra,” read the statement.

“He was told that the helicopter would  pick up other passengers. While waiting, he took his chance to go to the toilet,” it added.

Dino was on his way to Batangas for the launching of a Malasakit Center, a one-stop shop where poor patients can avail themselves of medical assistance from the government.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said she was not aware of any event organized by the DepEd in Ultra on Tuesday.