Duterte flies back to Davao anew

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks on the phone with Socialist Republic of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Phuc at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang, Manila on May 26, 2020. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA – For the second time since the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) grappled the country, President Rodrigo Duterte flew home to Davao City to be with his family this weekend, Malacañang said on Saturday.

Duterte was in his official residence in Davao City since Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

“Kahapon po umalis ang Presidente (The President left Manila yesterday),” he said during the Laging Handa program aired on state-run PTV-4.

Roque said Duterte is also expected to deliver his next public address in Davao City.

Roque added that he is set to hold the virtual presser in Duterte’s hometown.

“Ang alam ko po, ‘yung huling talumpati niya sa bayan ay magaganap po sa Davao. At umaasa rin po ako na isang press briefing natin ay doon (I know he would deliver his next speech in Davao City. And I also expect that my next press briefing will be held there),” he said.

Roque, however, did not mention as to when Duterte would address the nation again.

He also did not say as to when Duterte would return to Malacañan Palace in Manila.

Duterte usually spends his weekend with his family in his hometown, Davao City.

He, however, opted to stay in Manila when he placed the entire Luzon under enhanced community quarantine, the most stringent community quarantine, in March.

Duterte was supposed to return to Davao City on April 7 to join his family in celebrating the 16th birthday of his youngest child, Veronica, on April 10, but decided to stay in Manila to monitor the government’s Covid-19 response efforts.

Duterte on May 16 returned to Davao City after being stranded in Manila for two months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Beginning June 1, general community quarantine (GCQ) will be imposed in Pangasinan; Cagayan Valley; Central Luzon; Calabarzon; Metro Manila, including Pateros; Central Visayas; Zamboanga City; Davao City; Cebu City; and Mandaue City.

The rest of the country will be under modified GCQ.