Duterte takes economy flight to Davao

MANILA, Philippines - Instead of a private jet, President Duterte took a commercial flight back home to Davao on Thursday night.

Duterte was in a premium economy seat on a Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight at 9 p.m.

Like other passengers, Duterte subjected himself to routine security check before boarding the plane.

The Palace released photos of the President undergoing X-ray check.

Passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 cheered when Duterte walked into the building, passing through the regular security check.

Duterte took PAL’s last flight for the day from Manila to Davao City along with special assistant Christopher Go and some members of the Presidential Security Group.

Duterte left Malacañang after a courtesy call by Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua, followed by a meeting with his Cabinet security cluster and a taped interview for government station PTV-4.

The President was scheduled to attend the Hari Raya festival at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City last night.

During his first Cabinet meeting, Duterte made it clear that he does not want to be given any special treatment at the airport.

He said government officials, especially Cabinet members, should not be flying business class when traveling.

Earlier, Duterte said he would split his workweek between Manila and Davao.

Duterte brings homework

Although Duterte is in Davao for his usual private time during the weekend, the President brought with him some homework. 

He will review the draft executive order on the Freedom of Information, Communication Secretary Martin Andanar said.

Duterte said the EO would only cover the offices under him pending the passage of the FOI bill in Congress.

He also brought the list of local government officials and police officials involved in illegal drugs.

“There are many mayors (in the list). I will identify them after reviewing the list,” Duterte said.

“You will have it maybe next week,” he added.  – With Christina Mendez, Giovanni Nilles