Palace defends presence of show biz personalities in Duterte’s Russia trip

October 3, 2019

Malacanang defended on Thursday the presence of several show business personalities in President Rodrigo Duterte's official trip to Russia.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, in a text message to reporters, said as far as he knew, the government did not spend for those artists.

"As far as I know these artists came over (to) Moscow on their own. The government did not spend for their fare and hotel accommodations," he said.

Among those from show business who joined Duterte in Russia were former Tourism Promotions Board chief Cesar Montano and Philip Salvador.

"With regard to show biz people who are here, as far as I know, when they entertain the Filipino community while waiting for the arrival of the President, they are not paid. They have been doing that during presidential campaign. They just happen to be genuine and rabid fans of PRRD (Duterte)," he added. 

Duterte is set to meet with the Filipino community in Russia before he returns to the Philippines on October 5. Celerina Monte/DMS