Manila Bulletin
Philippines
Duterte likely to spend 75th birthday in Manila while leading govt's efforts vs coronavirus
Philippines
Duterte likely to spend 75th birthday in Manila while leading govt's efforts vs coronavirus
Duterte likely to spend 75th birthday in Manila while leading govt's efforts vs coronavirus
Published Mar 27, 2020 12:00 am
By Genalyn Kabiling
President Duterte is expected to spend his 75th birthday in Manila as he continues to lead the government's efforts against the coronavirus outbreak.
(Photo from Sen. Bong Go)
According to Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander Col. Jesus Durante III, the President will stay in Malacañang on his birthday. Duterte will turn 75 on March 28.
"So far, he will just stay here" Durante said in Filipino during a phone media interview when asked if Duterte will stay in the Palace or fly home to Davao City.
The President is also unlikely to have any guests on his birthday as members of his family are all in Davao City, he added.
The President has been staying in Manila since he declared a lockdown in Luzon last week. He previously spent his weekends in his home city of Davao where his family lives.
Senator Christopher Go, for his part, said the President has been advised to undergo self-quarantine by his doctor and the Presidential Security Group for his protection against the coronavirus.
The quarantine advice was given to the President after being exposed to some Cabinet members who met with a lawmaker who tested positive for the coronavirus.
The President, however, will continue to focus his attention on the country’s situation and issue orders to concerned government officials, he said.
Go, former assistant of the President, added that Duterte does not celebrate his birthday since he serve as mayor of Davao City, and has preferred to stay at home. “To some extent, parang home quarantine ang ginagawa niya palagi sa bawat birthday niya (he undergoes home quarantine during his birthday),” he said.
Earlier, Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President would continue "steering the ship of state in these perilous times" even on his birthday.
He admitted that the President was in a "dilemma" whether to celebrate his birthday with his grandkids in Davao City or spend it "dangerously in Manila amongst his people to lead them in the war of survival against the coronavirus, which has placed them, including himself, on the brink of disaster and death."
"Consistent with his daredevil character and deep filial ties, the President will most likely opt to either being ensconced safely and quietly with his loved ones in his comfort zone or continue with his manning the ramparts against the enemy. Given his dexterity it is unsurprising if he would probably do both with ease," he said.
(Photo from Sen. Bong Go)
According to Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander Col. Jesus Durante III, the President will stay in Malacañang on his birthday. Duterte will turn 75 on March 28.
"So far, he will just stay here" Durante said in Filipino during a phone media interview when asked if Duterte will stay in the Palace or fly home to Davao City.
The President is also unlikely to have any guests on his birthday as members of his family are all in Davao City, he added.
The President has been staying in Manila since he declared a lockdown in Luzon last week. He previously spent his weekends in his home city of Davao where his family lives.
Senator Christopher Go, for his part, said the President has been advised to undergo self-quarantine by his doctor and the Presidential Security Group for his protection against the coronavirus.
The quarantine advice was given to the President after being exposed to some Cabinet members who met with a lawmaker who tested positive for the coronavirus.
The President, however, will continue to focus his attention on the country’s situation and issue orders to concerned government officials, he said.
Go, former assistant of the President, added that Duterte does not celebrate his birthday since he serve as mayor of Davao City, and has preferred to stay at home. “To some extent, parang home quarantine ang ginagawa niya palagi sa bawat birthday niya (he undergoes home quarantine during his birthday),” he said.
Earlier, Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President would continue "steering the ship of state in these perilous times" even on his birthday.
He admitted that the President was in a "dilemma" whether to celebrate his birthday with his grandkids in Davao City or spend it "dangerously in Manila amongst his people to lead them in the war of survival against the coronavirus, which has placed them, including himself, on the brink of disaster and death."
"Consistent with his daredevil character and deep filial ties, the President will most likely opt to either being ensconced safely and quietly with his loved ones in his comfort zone or continue with his manning the ramparts against the enemy. Given his dexterity it is unsurprising if he would probably do both with ease," he said.