FOR the third time, President Rodrigo Duterte will "most likely" skip the commemorative rites of the 33rd anniversary of Edsa People Power Revolution on February 25, MalacaƱang said on Wednesday, February 20.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte's "busy schedule" was the reason for his absence at the annual commemoration of Edsa People Power Revolution.
"Parang last time, wala naman eh. Two years ng wala eh. So most likely, hindi rin a-attend 'yun," Panelo told Palace reporters in a press briefing.
"Eh maraming tabaho ang Presidente eh... Sipag (The President has so many duties and tasks to finish... He's industrious)," he added.
Since he assumed presidency in June 2016, Duterte has never joined the traditional celebration of the 1986 peaceful demonstrations, otherwise known as the Edsa People Power Revolution, that led to the ouster of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
The 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, which was a result of the long oppressed freedom and mass human rights abused recorded under Marcos's 21-year regime, has put an end to the late despot's autocrat rule.
Duterte is known to be a friend of the Marcos family.
The President's close ties with the Marcos clan has nothing to do with his decision to skip the 33rd Edsa People Power Revolution anniversary, Panelo clarified.
"No, Walang koneksyon 'yun (No, it has no connection," Panelo said, when asked if Duterte's relationship with Marcoses was the reason for the latter's absence at the celebration of Edsa People Power Revolution anniversary. (SunStar Philippines)