Presidential protocol stressed
PRESIDENTIAL Management Staff advised local officials to coordinate on future visits of President Rodrigo Duterte to avoid confusion and misrepresentation.
During the Regional Peace and Order Council meeting in Ifugao, PMS Representative
Nieza Padpa explained any activity to be done by President Duterte must be validated first by the PMS.
The protocol came after RDC-RPOC and Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan wrote to the PMS to shed light on the alleged misuse of the name of the President in a recent activity in Baguio and Benguet.
"If their maybe inquiries or questions on any future visit by President Duterte in any part of the Cordillera, this should first be validated first by our office. It is important for government or private officials to coordinate with us to refrain from any misunderstandings on his schedules," Padpa said.
PMS clarified protocol after national line agencies in the Cordillera, including local government officials were furnished a letter, May 1st informing them of a caravan for the return of the Cordillera Administrative Region bodies towards federalism allegedly to be attended by the President.
"We acknowledge any group or organization that supports the programs of the President but this should not be an avenue for these groups or organizations to conduct deceit and lead the protocol on the arrival of the President," Padpa added.
The letter was received on May 1 and signed by two “MRRD” representatives, Daisy Lee and Jude Wal.
"Who signed the letter? Jude Wal and Daisy lee saying that on May 22 there will be a caravan for the return of the CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region) bodies towards Federalism with President Rodrigo Duterte as speaker and they are asking us to ensure that there will be a delegation to the event," the Mayor expressed.
Upon receipt of the letter, the Mayor communicated with the PMS who confirmed that the President does not have the said schedule.
The misrepresentation and deceit earned the ire of Benguet Governor Crescensio Pacalso who had to cancel an earlier reservation for the venue they requested to give way for the President Duterte’s event, which turned out to be a hoax.
"I do not blame the provincial government of benguet to have that kind of reaction. We know how patient Governor Pacalso is but what happened angered him. Let them explain. You are correct, they are using the MRRD and they even said that the President is coming. It’s is not only here in Baguio where they did it but also in kalinga. It’s but proper to take it up in the RDC," the RDC Chairman added.
Governor Pacalso was convinced by the letter of the presence of the President to which he cancelled an earlier reservation to the venue to accommodate the coming of the President but found out that it was not true forcing him to bring back earlier cancelled reservation.
Based on experience as a mayor for many years, Domogan coordinates with the PMS and the Presidential Security Group (PSG) prior to an engagement of the President in the locality.
Domogan stated the group had been using “Federalism” as their advocacy in trying to deceive even government officials.
President Duterte had in several occasions’ cautioned people from using his name in any illegal activities as he does not involve himself in any such undertakings.