Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 28) — President Rodrigo Duterte wanted to pay final respects to his predecessor late Thursday but it didn’t push through upon learning that the urn was transferred to the Aquino family’s residence in Quezon City, the presidential spokesperson said on Monday.
Malacañang acknowledged President Rodrigo Duterte’s absence in both the funeral and burial of former Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, but was only able to provide a reason for one of them.
During his regular virtual briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte wanted to visit the former chief executive’s wake. The President, who was in Manila at the time, even ended his meeting with Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao officials at 11 p.m. on Thursday so that he could pay his final respects.
“He was informed that the urn of the former President had already been moved to his private residence in Times, so hindi na po nakapunta doon si Presidente [he wasn’t able to visit anymore],” said the spokesman.
Roque, however, said he does not know why Duterte did not attend Aquino’s inurnment.
“It could be because it’s a pandemic and we are trying to limit the numbers and, of course, the presence of the President would encourage crowds,” he explained.
Aquino, 61, was laid to rest on Saturday at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City beside his parents, former president Corazon “Cory” Aquino and former opposition senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
Still, Roque revealed there was a personal conversation with Aquino’s family and that they were offered all honors that could possibly be given to a former head of state.
“But of course, the Palace had to bow to the wishes of the family for a more subdued ceremony. Although, as everyone saw, he was accorded full military honors befitting a president,” said the Cabinet official.
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