MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – On the anniversary of Philippine Independence today, June 12, President Rodrigo was, again, a “no-show.”

In the last 4 years, Duterte has been known to skip significant public events, even the major national holidays and commemorations. But this time, it’s for good and justifiable reason.

Presidential Spokespersom Harry Roque said the President was “leading by example,”

Under the government’s Covid-19 community quarantine regulations, senior citizens — those 60 and above — are prohibited from leaving their homes except for strictly essential needs.  Duterte is 75 years old.

“It will be hypocritical of the President to order the isolation of seniors if he himself is seen out and about in public,” Roque told The Adobo Chronicles.

Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo who in the past several years has been leading major commemoration rites at Rizal Park, was also a “no-show” this year. Many Filipinos were looking  forward to her trademark hand salute, but were grossly disappointed.

A spokesperson for the Office of the Vice President said that Robredo thought it wasn’t worth it to wake up early in the morning to make a public appearance with only 10 people in attendance.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) allowed only 10 people to join the celebration, as part of its social distancing protocol.