Supposed to be, this is the first Independence Day of Rodrigo Duterte as president but then he skipped the ceremony at Luneta.
INDEPENDENCE – The president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, have skipped the Independence rites which is held at the Rizal Park on Monday, June 12.
According to the news report of the Rappler, Ernesto Abella, the presidential spokesman, had an announcement made to the media that the president will not come over for the ceremony for Independence Day.
As to the reason behind why he could not attend, he gave no reason at all, as per the spokesman, the president will not attend and that’s it.
However, this is supposed to the first time of Duterte to celebrate the day of the freedom as the president of the country.
And also, this is the first time in history that a president skipped the ceremony.
The presidential spokesperson further said that Vice President Leni Robredo will have to lead the ceremony instead. She will lead the wreath-laying and flag-raising ceremony.
Along side with her to represent the president will be the Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.
As mentioned on the report, the president should have arrived at 8 in the morning to offer the wreath at the Rizal Monument then lead the raising of the flag of the Philippines.
But he was not there.
Also, he is supposed to be welcomed by the Joseph Estrada, mayor of Manila and also a former president of the Republic of the Philippines together with Rene Escalante, chairman of National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Present on the said ceremony were members of the diplomatic corps, and several Cabinet officials, including Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.
Independence Day is celebrated annually in order to remember the sacrifices of Filipinos in the World War where a lot of lives was the cost in order to get the freedom of our country and our freedom as well.