Palace says Duterte’s visits to flooded areas were cancelled

The spokesman also added that Duterte did not want the media to cover it in case. (PCOO file photo)

After some areas in Metro Manila and Luzon experienced floods due to the continuous monsoon downpour, Malacañang confirmed that the President’s visits to the affected communities were cancelled due to security reasons.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. told the reporters on Tuesday, August 14 that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has been on the lookout on the situation brought by the rains.

However, according to him, security concerns were raised due to the inclement weather which prevented Duterte’s visits. This in the midst of the criticisms thrown at the President for his supposed absence during the country’s condition. He was supposed to conduct rounds by chopper but the three attempts were all cancelled because of the weather.

“I don’t know if he wants that made public… When he goes around and assist individuals,” Roque stressed in the case that the President chooses to push through with the visit.

The spokesman also added that Duterte did not want the media to cover it in case.

“I had a personal experience with that Christmas time. Of course you were not able to cover to him when he was going around different hospitals giving financial assistance,” Roque cited.

Furthermore, the President’s spokesman was asked where Duterte was during the events this weekend, and responded with the President “keeping warm like everyone else.” But he added that the Chief Executive is still monitoring what is happening.

“The President is a news junkie. Like everyone in this room, he was very concerned. He talks about resilience. He talked about readiness of government agencies to provide assistance,” Roque said.

He then added, “He was in contact with individuals to make sure that delivery of assistance would be facilitated.”