PRRD to spend Christmas 2018 in Davao: Palace

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte bids farewell to the residents of Balangiga after witnessing the official handover of the Transfer Certificate of the Balangiga Bells at the Balangiga Auditorium in Eastern Samar on December 15, 2018. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte will spend this year’s Christmas in his hometown, Davao City, Malacañang said on Friday.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President spends Christmas yearly in his home with his family.

“Every Christmas naman ganoon siya eh (He is like that every Christmas), birthdays spend it with his family always. No frills,” Panelo said.

Panelo said Duterte is expected to visit underprivileged and sick children this holiday season.

“Ganoon ang style ni Presidente (that is the style of the President) – handicap. Doon siya, mababaw ang puso ni Presidente sa mgahandicaps, special children, may mga sakit ng cancer (His heart is there with the handicaps, special children, those with cancer). Doon mo makikita iyong kanyang compassion (That’s where you can see his compassion), he sheds his tears every time,” Panelo said.

The chief executive spent also spent last year’s holidays in his hometown where he also visited families of individuals killed in a Davao City mall fire.

In 2016, Duterte spent his first Christmas eve as President in Davao City and visited young cancer patients.