Duterte staying home for Christmas

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — He’ll be home for the holidays. 

President Duterte arrived here late Wednesday to spend the holidays after attending several functions and meetings in Manila.

This year, he stressed in his message, Christmas would be strictly family time as the President looks forward to spending quality time in a quiet and simple celebration to mark the birth of Jesus with his loved ones.  

“That is why we Filipinos especially celebrate this occasion with so much joy and happiness. We set aside our daily routine to spend more time with our families. We also share our blessings by giving gifts to our friends and loved ones and holding feasts in our homes and communities,” Duterte said in his short televised Christmas message.

The President joined the Christian faithful in commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, calling it a testament to “God’s promise of a savior who will deliver mankind from sin and bring joy closer to the Lord Almighty.”

He also enjoined the Filipino people not to forget the unfortunate ones as he wished everyone a “happy, peaceful and meaningful Christmas.”

“In the revelry and festivity, may we also remember our brothers and sisters who are in need so that we can become instruments for the betterment of their lives,” he added.

When he was still mayor, Duterte implemented a ban on the use, sale and possession of firecrackers or pyrotechnic materials. It has been so the past 14 years in Davao City.

He is also not receiving any visitor for the holidays and the Presidential Security Group has already limited his movements this season, given the threats to his life.

The President used to give big parties for residents and visitors would flock to his old house in Central Park, Bangkal.

Although the season is mainly for his family, Duterte reportedly scheduled a visit to cancer patients, especially children, who are confined at the Southern Philippines Medical Center. It is something that he never misses, if only to cheer the sick children by giving them toys and assistance to their families.

He also provided them with a halfway house that could be used while going through treatment.

But while on vacation mode, Duterte promised to continue monitoring the onslaught of Tropical Storm Vinta in Mindanao and the Visayas.