MANILA – Malacañang defended President Rodrigo Duterte from the public after the latter draw flak for watching television in Davao City during his week-long absence.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo on Monday said Duterte opted to stay at home last week to finish the paperwork left behind from his recent trip to China.
“The President decided to stay in his home in Davao City last week to work on papers he left behind after the Beijing trip,” Panelo said.
“The reason why photo of Duterte watching a movie on Netflix was released to media is to ease concerns that he is sick,” he added. “The President usually sleeps between 6 to 7 a.m. and starts work at night.”
Duterte released his picture over the weekend to allay the fears of the public regarding his health.
Meanwhile, Panelo slammed outgoing Sen. Antonio Trillannes IV after castigating the President for his “laziness” while the country faces a lot of problems.
“He is speaking as if he is not resting and not watching television at home,” Panelo said.
The palace official assured Duterte will come out later this week to attend sorties of his daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago. /PN
