Planning to invite the President as guest of honor in an event? Time to think of a plan B! There’s a good chance that he’ll give you a big, fat no.
In an open letter read by Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella, President Rodrigo Duterte apologized for having declined invitations to events in Metro Manila. He also said that the President may miss more events in the future.
The reason? The daily nightmare that is Metro Manila traffic congestion.
President Duterte explained that his travels will just aggravate the current traffic situation. He said that “it is prudent and sensible not to add unnecessary stress to our efforts of creating comfortable lives.”
“As President, my travels always include protocols and security measures which create traffic congestion and disturb everyday lives and activities,” he said.
Filipinos are all too familiar with the traffic misery that comes with living in the country’s capital. It was earlier reported that Duterte wants emergency powers to address the traffic crisis in Metro Manila.
“My deepest apologies, but please bear in mind that I have only your, the people’s and the nation’s best interest at heart,” the President’s letter ended.
