Duterte did not go abroad – Palace

August 16, 2020

Malacanang on Sunday denied that President Rodrigo Duterte left the country this weekend.

In a statement, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte is in the Philippines and closely monitoring the situation.

"There is no truth that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte left the country this weekend," he said.

"The Chief Executive is in the Philippines and closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the country," he added.

It was not immediately known where a supposed report came out that Duterte went abroad.

The President is expected to make an announcement on Monday on the update of the community quarantine status of the National Capital Region, as well as of the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, before the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) placed in the said areas expires on August 18. Ella Dionisio/DMS