Noy not invited to Yolanda rites in Tacloban

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino did not snub the second anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City last Sunday, Malacañang clarified yesterday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said a check with the Palace appointments office showed there was no invitation for the President to attend the event.

“There was no such intention (to skip the event). We continue to monitor the welfare of the families affected by Yolanda,” Coloma said in an interview over Radyo Singko.

The President was criticized for his absence at the Yolanda anniversary while a photo of him attending a wedding of Kester Andrew Tan, youngest son of Megaworld chairman Andrew Tan, to Kelsey Cheng, was published in several newspapers. The ceremony was held at the shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Newport, Pasay City.

Coloma assured the public the President was focused on building permanent houses for the families affected by the calamity and improving their situation by providing livelihood and employment opportunities.