Even though President Duterte is away from his official residence, Malacañang said that work has never stopped for the Chief Executive, saying he continues to perform his duties in his hometown.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement as the President marked his 17th day away from Malacañang, the longest he's been out of the Palace since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country.
In his Thursday presser, Roque reiterated that the President decided to stay in Davao City to avoid being infected by COVID-19.
"The reason why he stays, sabi naman niya umiiwas sa COVID. Pero patuloy ang trabaho ng Presidente (he said that he's trying to avoid COVID-19 but his work goes on)," he said.
According to Roque, "mountains" of documents are being sent to the President for his review and signature whenever he is in Davao City.
"Kapag kami ay umaalis ng Maynila gabundok po na dokumento ang dala-dala namin para kay Presidente. So, wala pong tigil naman ang trabaho ng ating Presidente (Whenever we leave Manila, we bring mountains of documents for the President. So, his work never stops)," he said.
"I can assure you sa appointments lang po, gabundok na po 'yan. So I'm sure, ang Presidente po kasi dating mayor, iniisa-isa po niya 'yan bago pinipirmahan (I can assure you, he already has mountains of documents that he goes over one-by-one before signing them--and that's just for appointments)," he added.
Roque said that President Duterte is working inside Panacañang, a presidential office in Davao City that was built during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
"So kumbaga 'pag siya po ay nasa Davao, different venue lang po 'yan sa pagganap ng kanyang mga katungkulan (So it's just a different venue for his duties)," he said.
President Duterte has been in Davao City since August 3.