DAVAO CITY, Philippines – President Duterte is definitely not attending any event marking the 31st anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution tomorrow.
Duterte, who usually spends his weekend at home here, will be attending a private function of a friend.
Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go said there will be no EDSA-related activities for Duterte either today or tomorrow.
The President has opted to skip the EDSA anniversary celebration this year that will be held at Camp Aguinaldo.
Cabinet officials led by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea will attend the event.
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella confirmed Medialdea would represent Duterte during the event at 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 (today), there’s going to be the Bangsamoro Transition thing in Davao,” he added.
There will be a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the People Power Monument in Quezon City, which is traditionally led by the President and attended by key players of the EDSA Revolution led by former president Fidel Ramos and former senator Juan Ponce Enrile.
The 31st People Power anniversary would be celebrated in simple rites to 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.
Officials stressed the toned down EDSA anniversary celebration has nothing to do with Duterte’s decision to allow the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
The ouster of Marcos was the focal point of the popular revolt 31 years ago that gained international recognition.
Duterte instead will attend the turnover ceremony for the drug rehabilitation facility donated by the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Barangay Penaplata in Samal Island.
Duterte will also attend the launching of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao today.
Even if the President is not attending any EDSA anniversary event, Go said Duterte is not also attending any of the rallies supporting his administration.
Pro-Duterte rallies will be held at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila and in Rizal Park here in Davao City.
Rallyists will express their support for Duterte amidst reports of destabilization against his administration.
Opposition groups are holding a protest rally during the EDSA anniversary event.
Malacañang also frowned upon former senator Rene Saguisag’s statement that Duterte is the new “Macoy” (Marcos’ nickname) because of the simple EDSA anniversary rites.
Abella maintained the administration is not downgrading the significance of the 1986 popular revolt. – Alexis Romero, Roel Pareño, Jose Rodel Clapano, Edu Punay