‘Duterte should take a break’

Malacañang said that President Duterte should be allowed to take a vacation leave, considering the 73-year-old leader’s workload.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III first floated the idea in a forum.

In his Thursday press briefing, Roque agreed that Duterte should go on a vacation but said he has no idea how is that possible for a President.

“Well, I don’t know how he does it because we all find time for breaks. But there’s no such thing as leave for a President,” he said.

“So he probably should get one. He should probably file, officially, a leave and designate, you know, the Executive Secretary as acting like what he does when he goes abroad,” he added.

Duterte, when he goes to trips abroad, designates Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to serve as his alter ego until he returns to the country.

According to Roque, there seems to be no mechanism that would allow the country’s leader to go on a vacation. However, he said Duterte should still try to do so.

“Walang mechanism nga eh, come to think of it. Although, you know, you’re always president 24/7 so siguro pupwede naman talaga siyang mag-holiday (so maybe he can be allowed to go on a holiday) leave. Let’s see, it’s untested waters, why not?” Roque said.

“Well, everyone deserves a break. Kung pupwede (if he is allowed, then), why not?” he added.