“IT could be because of the pandemic.”
Ito ang sagot ni presidential spokesperson Harry Roque sa tanong kung bakit hindi dumalo si Pangulong Duterte sa burol at libing ni dating Pangulong Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III noong Sabado.
Sumakabilang-buhay si Aquino noong Huwebes dahil sa renal failure bunsod ng diabetes.
Hindi nakita si Duterte sa burol ni Aquino sa Ateneo De Manila University at maging sa libing nito sa Manila Memorial Park sa Paranaque.
Ayon kay Roque, planong pumunta ni Duterte sa lamay pero “he was informed that the urn of the former President had already been moved to their residence in Times St.”
“Hindi ko na po alam kung bakit (hindi nakipaglibing ang Pangulo),” dagdag niya.
“It could be because it’s pandemic, and we’re trying to limit the numbers. And of course, the presence of the President would encourage crowds,” paliwanag naman niya.
Isiniwalat ng opisyal na nakapag-usap naman si Duterte at ang pamilya Aquino matapos lumabas ang balita ukol sa pagkamatay ng dating pangulo.
“There were offers for the family to have all the honors that the republic can give to a former president. But of course, the Palace had to bow to the wishes of the family for a more subdued ceremony,” sabi ni Roque.–WC
