Manila: The 18-year old granddaughter of President Rodrigo Duterte held a photo session in preparation for her 18th birthday in January 2018, at the presidential palace, a spokesman said, adding the event, done without spending taxpayer’s money, followed earlier events that have symbolised the morphing of the presidential palace into a coveted venue of private parties.
“Isabelle, the granddaughter of President Duterte posed for birthday pictures in Malacañang last Thursday,” said Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
“Let us not deny the (first) granddaughter this photo opportunity, I don’t think there was anything wrong with that. I don’t think it should be an issue (against the president and his granddaughter’,” said Roque. He did not give details about who had reacted to the event.
“They (members of the first family) should really be staying in Malacañang. But they don’t. So, like any ordinary citizen, they should be allowed to have pictures taken in Malacañang,” argued Roque.
The granddaughter’s debutante ball will be held on January 26. It was not revealed if the birthday party will be held at the presidential palace next year.
She is the child of Davao Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte and his estranged wife, Lovelie Sangkola Sumera. Events planner Rita Neri and stylist Jeff Galang organised the photo session at the presidential palace.
Malacañang has become a coveted venue for private people, sources said. It is not known how private people, including ordinary ones, could apply for the use of Malacañang for private events.
Duterte has been attending parties held by other people in Malacañang, said Roque, adding, “Hosts of these private parties always brought their own caterer and did not spend taxpayer’s money.”
He did not say how much private party hosts pay for the use of electricity at the presidential palace.
Last month, actor Robin Padilla held the baptism of his daughter in Malacañang, Congressman Lord Allan Velasco from Marinduque, southern Luzon, hosted a private birthday party in Malacañang,
They are known as close friends and political supporters of Duterte.
