Malacañang said there was nothing critics can do about President Duterte's decision to stay away from the public eye for two weeks, something that the Chief Executive said he did on purpose.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after President Duterte said he intentionally disappeared and admitted that he is like a kid who taunts when provoked.
"Noong nawala ako ng ilang araw, talagang sinadya ko 'yun. Ganoon ako eh, kapag kinakalkal mo ako, lalo ako 'yung...parang bata. 'Pag lalo mo akong kinakantiyawan, mas lalo akong gagana (When I was gone for a few days, it was really intentional. I'm like that, when you push me to come out, I become even more...like a child. The more you tease me, the more motivated I get)," he said on Monday.
In his press briefing on Thursday, Roque said there was nothing that critics can do about the President's style.
"Wala po kayong magagawa. Yun ang paniniwala ng Presidente. Lalo siyang ginigipit, lalo siyang lalaban (There's nothing you can do. That is what the President believes in. The more you provoke him, the more he'll fight)," he said.
"Hayaan na po natin yun, estilo ni Presidente yun. Kanya-kanyang estilo tayo (That's his style, let's leave it at that. We have our own styles anyway)," he added.
Speculations about President Duterte's health and whereabouts surfaced following the cancelation of his weekly public address last week. To extinguish the rumors, Malacañang explained that the cancelation was due to members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) testing positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
President Duterte's long-time aide Senator Christopher Go also posted photos and videos of the President playing golf, jogging, and riding a motorcycle to ensure that the Chief Executive was healthy. The public, however, accused Duterte of doing nothing while the rest of the country is reeling from the effects of the pandemic.
In response, President Duterte defended his actions, saying there was nothing wrong with him enjoying his hobbies during nighttime.
"You should look into the time I enjoy my hobbies. Gabi 'yun, ano ba naman. Sa araw makita mo ako nag-golf...sabihin may problema (That was at night. If you see me golfing at daytime, then there's a problem)," he said.