In relation to the surge of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Wednesday has informed that Pres. Rodrigo Duterte will skip his weekly public address this Wednesday, April 7.
Roque stated that Duterte decided to not have his weekly public address due to the fact that his physical safety is of utmost concern.
However, the absence of Duterte in his usual public address led celebrities and netizens with even more questions.
Former PTV-4 host, Jules Guiang raised so many questions as to how Duterte could possibly be absent with his weekly address. Guiang also took a moment to recall that the President did not present his SALN (Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth) to the public, for transparency.
We need leadership from the President. Wala na ngang SALN, wala pang weekly presser? Kahit na puro ngaw-ngaw siya dun, dun pa rin kinukuha ang marching orders. Magaling naman ang PCOO di ba? Bakit hindi siya itelecast from wherever he is in Asia?
— Jules Guiang (@julesguiang) April 7, 2021
Former GMA Network host Kiko Rustia sensed that something is up. Rustia even concluded that the government is trying to cover Duterte who is a no-show with his weekly address.
Ako lang ba? I feel something is up and they are not letting us know about it.
— kiko rustia (@kikorustia) April 6, 2021
Youtuber Carlo Ople reacts with thinking emoji with Duterte having no public address this week.
— Carlo Ople (@carloople) April 7, 2021
Journalist Ederic Eder also looked for Duterte whom he feels is not qualified to lead the country. He even cited Article VII Sec. 7 of the 1987 Consitution.
It says “If the President-elect fails to qualify, the Vice President-elect shall act as President until the President-elect shall have qualified.”
“Kung ang halal na Pangulo ay hindi maging marapat sa tungkulin, ang halal na Pangalawang Pangulo ay dapat gumanap na Pangulo hanggang sa maging marapat ang halal na Pangulo.”
— Art. VII Sek. 7, Konstitusyon ng Republika ng Pilipinas, 1987#NasaanAngPangulo
— Ederic Eder (@ederic) April 7, 2021
A netizen pointed out that there was something fishy with Duterte’s absence. According to the netizen, there was someone who flew to Singapore amid the pandemic.
Hindi nagising noong Lunes, hindi tuloy naka pag-tape ng monologue na puro mura!
Pa-sekretong nagpunta sa Singapore si walang H, bitbit ang isang anak!
SOMETHING IS BREWING?
** You bet!😎
— Laurene II (@RenHu2) April 6, 2021
Meanwhile, Roque, who informed the public with Duterte’s absence took criticism as well. Kiko Rustia was surprised to see the spokesperson looking tired during the interview. He then pointed that Roque always looked well-rested in his previous interviews. With how the Secretary appeared, Rustia looked for answers as to the whereabouts of the president.
Im actually intrigued why Roque looked so harassed and tired during this interview.
When was this? And where was the president during this time?
Roque always looked well rested and lively sa previous interviews nya..except yung meme na tulala sya..but even dun hindi sya ganito https://t.co/q2vEK2vQpB
— kiko rustia (@kikorustia) April 6, 2021
Davao City Mayor and Presidential Daughter, Mayor Sara Duterte flew to Singapore last Tuesday, April 6. The mayor clarified that she flew to Singapore for “health management.” She even got a travel authority from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
“I am on leave from April 6-10, 2021,” she said. “I have a travel authority to Singapore from the DILG. The reason is personal health management.”
Now that the mayor flew to Singapore amid the pandemic, netizens blasted her and her supporters. A netizen took a jab at DDS for defending the Dutertes. The netizen even criticized the shirt worn by the mayor which says, “save money, save lives, stay home”. According to the netizen, it is an ironic thing to wear since the mayor left the Philippines last Tuesday.
Hirap na hirap na ba DDS sa pag tanggol sa pamilyang manloloko at sinungaling?
How ironic na may pa ganyang t-shirt pa si Sara without H. pic.twitter.com/55sPsy3Tmh
— 🌸 (@jemanorange) April 7, 2021
With Duterte-Carpio leaving, Kiko Rustia had something to say to the mayor. Rustia questioned why the mayor left in a hurry and in secrecy as she did not inform her staff. The former TV host also emphasized the responsibilities of Duterte-Carpio as a mayor, in which, she was expected to properly turn over important matters concerning the pandemic.
She left without informing her staff.
As a duly elected Mayor, you’d expect that she’ll leave every bit of important matters during this pandemic properly turned over and endorsed.
But she left in a hurry, and in (almost) secrecy.
So whats up? https://t.co/czzKbGwAWa
— kiko rustia (@kikorustia) April 7, 2021
Twitter personality Francis Baraan IV also lambasted the mayor for flying to Singapore. Baraan even used Duterte-Carpio’s slogan “Run Sara Run” to add some burn.
Nasa Singapore si Sara. Tinakbuhan na ata ang responsibilidad bilang Mayora.
Sige, Sara. Takbo ka.
'RUN SARA RUN' ANG CAMPAIGN SLOGAN, DIBA?
Pero bakit RUNAWAY ang ginawa niya?
— Francis Baraan IV (@MrFrankBaraan) April 7, 2021
Duterte-Carpio, who clarified that she flew to Singapore for “personal health management” drew flak from netizens. Journalist Barnaby Lo irked at her statement as he pointed that the mayor has the resources to get treatment in Singapore.
Kung kaya mo magpagamot sa Singapore, hindi ka simple, ubod ka ng yaman.
— Barnaby Lo 吳宗鴻 (@barnabychuck) April 7, 2021
Meanwhile, Senator Bong Go defended Duterte’s absence. Go said that the president’s ‘Talk to the Nation’ will be postponed to ensure the President’s safety after several members of his security group tested positive for COVID-19.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday amid rumors on the President’s ill health, “President Rodrigo Duterte remains fit and healthy for his age and we thank the Filipino people for voicing their concern and wishing the Chief Executive’s strength and good health during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“He continues to discharge his functions as head of the government.”
