MANILA, Philippines – Event organizers on Saturday announced that media groups would no longer be allowed on the platform initially arranged for all networks covering the President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s thanksgiving party at the Crocodile Park in Davao City.
The last minute change came following the announcement of Duterte’s executive assistant Cristopher Go that the incoming chief executive would no longer hold press conferences.
All media no longer allowed inside the barricaded premise near the stage. | via @Bryanvaux pic.twitter.com/0CluMnmftU
— News5 AKSYON (@News5AKSYON) June 4, 2016
Only the state-owned television network PTV4 and the Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) were allowed to cover the event, dubbed as “
Earlier, Go said that all the statements of the president-elect would be made through PTV4 to make sure that there would no longer be any wrong interpretation of Duterte’s statements.
Duterte drew flak after wolf whistling at a female television reporter during a press conference and for stating that most of the slain journalists were involved in corrupt deals.
Thousands of people have trooped to attend the 12-hour party, which includes a medical mission, a street party and a speech by the incoming president.
Supporters ni Pres-elect Duterte patuloy na dumadagsa sa event venue ng kanyang Thanksgiving party | via @romeltv5 pic.twitter.com/fGZ9S3Mmp9
— News5 AKSYON (@News5AKSYON) June 4, 2016