#NasaanAngPangulo was trending on social media last weekend after netizens and groups criticized President Rodrigo Duterte’s “no-show” in the midst of the ravages of typhoon Rolly, the so-called strongest typhoon in the world by 2020.
On Monday, the Palace and other officials were questioned why Duterte did not show up in the midst of Rolly’s severe beating, particularly in the Bicol region.
“Ayaw po ni Pangulo na makaistorbo sa mga government workers natin, armed forces sa kanilang recovery operation so pupunta po siya soon sa mga hardest hit area nang siya lang po,” said Sen. Bong Go, Duterte’s former special assistant.
Malacañang had earlier said that Duterte was in Davao City during typhoon Rolly.
“Hindi ibig sabihin nasa Mindanao po ang Pangulo e hindi siya nagtatrabaho,” Go defended.
The President found an ally with Sen. Richard Gordon.
“Each one to his own taste and judgment… Even God said you should rest on the 7th day… Everybody has the duty to protect the president of the Philippines. The President will not go if there is a threat to his life, and a threat can be physical or can be a health threat,” the senator said.
Palace defends Duterte after ‘#NasaanAngPangulo’ trended online
The Palace announced that Duterte would return to Manila this Monday, and at the same time, he will conduct an aerial inspection while in the air.
“It’s confirmed that PRRD will be flying from Davao to Manila today. En route to Manila, he will be conducting an aerial inspection in Bicolandia and Calabarzon,” said Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque.
Roque also defended the government on comments that it just held a briefing on Rolly on Sunday, which had been landfalling twice during those hours.
“Inaasahan po nga natin ang landfall kahapon. At saka sa totoo lang po, araw ng Linggo iyon. Maski araw ng Linggo andito lahat ang kalihim para iparating ang kahandaan ng gobyerno sa pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga nasalanta,” said Roque.
There is no official number yet on the number of casualties due to the typhoon, but according to the Office of the Civil Defense’s latest records, it is at least 10.