Despite being invited, former President Rodrigo Duterte will not attend this afternoon the Joint Session of Congress to hear the Second State-of-the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Sen. Christopher Go, a long-time aide of Duterte revealed that the former Chief Executive who arrived in the country Saturday night was “very, very exhausted” following a weeklong visit to China.
But Go said the 78-year-old remains in good health. “He walks with a cane perhaps due to weak legs,” he also said.
The senator also divulged Duterte has a plan to brief Marcos about his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“He knows his obligation if there were things he needs to reveal,” said Go. Go related that the former President is resting in Davao where he will monitor the SONA.
“He reads (newspapers) and watches television,” the senator added. This is not the first time Duterte has skipped Marcos’ SONA.
He also failed to attend his successor’s first address in July last year.
Senators had different reactions to Duterte’s meeting with Xi, The visit came when senators are set to file a resolution asking the Department of Foreign Affairs to elevate China’s incursions on PH territory to the United Nations General Assembly.
According to Go, he failed to accompany Duterte to China since he was busy going around the country as a senator.
He had prior commitments and a speaking engagement in Bohol. He said Duterte understands him on this matter.