Palace says Speaker’s birthday was not extravagant

January 13, 2018

Malacanang  fended off criticism the 60th birthday celebration of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, which was attended by President Rodrigo Duterte, at the new Tagum City Hall last Friday was lavish.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the big number of guests were “commensurate” to Alvarez's  stature.

“I was in the birthday party of the Speaker. It was in the city hall of Tagum. I don’t think it can be described as extragavant because he only availed of physical facilities of Tagum,” he said. “I can tell you it was a very simple venue.”

“Yes there was a quite number of individuals invited, given his stature. He had to invite his colleagues in Congress. He had to invite people in government and more importantly, he had to invite his constituents,” Roque said.

Palace pictures show Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr, Senator Gregorio Honasan, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea attended Alvarez's birthday party.

Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua was also present.

“There is quite a number of individuals but very simple, in terms of programs and in terms of menu.It was very casual, very laidback affair,” Roque said. Duterte stayed for around four hours, leaving before 11 pm, added Roque. DMS