Duterte on his “absence” during “Rolly”: Do you want me to stand on white sand to show I’m here?

November 2, 2020

By Celerina Monte

President Rodrigo Duterte slammed on Monday those who criticized him for his "absence" when Super Typhoon "Rolly" whipped Luzon.

In a televised meeting with the Cabinet officials following his return to Manila from Davao City, Duterte said like other Filipinos living in the province, he travels almost with regularity, especially if there is an occasion.

"Vacation, All Souls' Day, that's why I went home. These stupid (people), they're saying I'm absent. I was waiting for the typhoon to pass," he said.

Duterte said he went to Davao to also visit the tombs of his parents.

"But now, I'm already here. Those who said that I was not here because I was in the province, so what's the problem?" he said.

Duterte said even if he was in Davao, he was working. He cited that when there were documents that needed his signature, they were sent to him and then he sent them back in Manila.

"(You only need to use) the machine. So, the fact that I was not here during the typhoon, so, do you want me to stand there at the white sand of (Environment Secretary) Roy Cimatu just to show that I'm here?" he stressed referring on the controversial dolomite white beach in Manila Bay.

Duterte said the moment the weather permitted, he flew to Albay to inspect the damage brought about by ''Rolly'' before returning to Manila.

Last Sunday when ''Rolly'' battered the Bicol Region and other areas in Luzon, #NasaanAngPangulo (Where is the President) trended on Twitter.

Duterte did not participate in the disaster response meeting of his Cabinet officials during the height of the typhoon. Celerina Monte/DMS