Duterte is noted for disliking VIP treatments and for taking commercial flights in going to and fro his home city
Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was once again spotted taking a commercial flight from Davao City back to Manila for another day of work.
A photo was captured using a mobile phone, showing President Duterte was sitting at the second to the last row of the economy class portion of a commercial airline on January 5, Thursday night. Also in the photo is Special Assistant to the President Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, who was resting a seat apart from the President.
Photos released by the Malacañang Palace showed the Davaoeño President sitting on an economy seat aboard a Philippine Airlines commercial flight.
The photos are the latest sight of the Filipinos of their President who was last seen in public during the commemoration of the Rizal Day in Manila on December 30, 2016.
According to the officials of the Malacañang Palace, the 71 year old chief executive welcomed year 2017 in his hometown, Davao City in Southern Philippines, and he reportedly had a “quiet time” in his home during the first few days of the new year.
Duterte, who is known for his simplicity and despising VIP treatments wherever he goes, had previously been spotted taking commercial flights as a President.
Less than a month after assumption of office, Duterte also took a premium economy seat onboard Philippine Airlines commercial Flight PR 1825 from Manila going home to Davao City.
Just like any airplane passenger, President Duterte has also undergone security checks by the aiport personnel. But unlike others who chose to mind their own business, the President was rather seen greeting other travelers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.
The chief executive earlier said he planned to take commercial flights as President to travel between his beloved Davao and his workplace Manila.
During his first meeting with the members of his Cabinet, he told his appointees to despise special treatment.
Duterte was quoted saying, “We should treat ourselves just like any other Filipino traveler”.
View full video of the President greeting other airport passengers and dwellers in his July flight here.