President Duterte was nowhere near Mt. Samat National Shrine in Bataan for this year's observance of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) Friday, April 9.
The President instead delivered a taped message giving tribute to the country's past and present heroes during the commemorative rites.
Malacañang explained that the President's absence in this year's public commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan was mainly to ensure the safety of Duterte and his staff amid the continued surge in coronavirus cases.
"The President’s critics are asking why President Rodrigo Duterte has no public event to commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan. Lest they forget, we are under community quarantine, where gatherings are not encouraged," Roque said.
"In addition, active cases of COVID-19 remain high and we have to ensure not only the safety of the President but also the physical well-being of the staff and the security in charge of the coordination and preparation of the presidential engagement or event," he added.
Roque likewise brushed aside doubts about the authenticity of the President's recent photos at his residence inside Malacañang Park. The photos of the President were shared by his former assistant and now Senator Christopher Go to dispel nasty rumors about his supposed poor health.
"As to claims that the recent photos of President Duterte are photoshopped, those who made noise on the matter are the usual detractors of the Chief Executive who see nothing good in what he does. Let them be," he said.
READ MORE: Duterte honors selfless, dedicated COVID-19 frontliners on Araw ng Kagitingan
The President recently canceled his scheduled public address last Wednesday after several Presidential Security Group (PSG) personnel got infected with the coronavirus disease. His public address will be moved to next week, according to Roque.
PSG commander Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III said while the infected PSG members complete their quarantine procedures, the rest of the team will continue to keep the President safe and secured. Durante said they have recommended the cancelation of some of the President's activities until the coronavirus cases have subsided in Metro Manila.
"We will minimize all possible exposure that may jeopardize the President's safety," he added.
READ MORE: Duterte fit, healthy to discharge functions as president — Palace