Palace: Duterte not attending EDSA anniversary but may pull a 'surprise'

MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte is not expected to attend the 31st anniversary celebration of the 1986 People Power Revolution but may pull a “surprise” for the event, Malacañang said Thursday.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella confirmed that Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea would represent Duterte during the event in Camp Aguinaldo.

Asked if Duterte would be attending any event commemorating the EDSA revolt, Abella replied: “You know, I think he has some surprise for that.”

“But if you are asking what he will be doing tomorrow (February 24), there's going to be the Bangsamoro Transition thing in Davao,” he added.

Abella was referring to the launching of the renewed effort to implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Davao City.

The 31st People Power anniversary would include the awarding of individuals from the military, religious groups and private sector who contributed to nation-building.

Malacañang had said that this year’s celebration would be "very simple and very quiet" and would stress the need to move forward towards nation-building.

READ: EDSA anniversary to be 'simple, quiet,' says Palace

Officials claimed that the toned down anniversary celebration had nothing to do with Duterte’s decision to allow the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Uncalled for

Malacañang also frowned upon former Sen. Rene Saguisag’s statement that Duterte is the new “Macoy” (Marcos’ nickname) because of the simple EDSA anniversary rites.

Abella maintained that the administration is not downgrading the significance of the 1986 popular revolt.

“I don’t know if you call it downgrading. It simply is a different style. You know, different strokes, different folks,” he said.

“I’m just saying that he (Saguisag) also feels very strongly and perhaps he wants it to be celebrated in a more grandiose way. But going back to whether the president is the new Macoy, you know, I think, the comparison is too broad and uncalled for.”

Saguisag, who served as lawyer for human rights victims of the Marcos regime, previously said he was saddened by Malacañang’s decision to tone down the EDSA anniversary celebration, which he described as a “bright shining moment” that shocked and awed the whole world."