While people were on alert because of typhoon Rolly, the #NasaanAngPangulo trended on Twitter, as netizens observed President Rodrigo Duterte’s non-appearance amidst the time of emergency.
He was also absent during the live press briefing which was conducted hours after the first landfall of the typhoon in Bato, Catanduanes.
However, Presidential Speaker Harry Roque pointed out that it was Sunday that is why Duterte was a no-show.
With this, celebrities and netizens reacted to Duterte being missing-in-action amidst the onslaught of Rolly.
Enchong Dee and Nikki Valdez believe that being a President is a round-the-clock responsibility most especially during a disaster where citizens need help and hope the most.
A public servant is a 24/7 responsibility… or am i wrong? Enlighten me. https://t.co/kBDFJ9zVpm
— Enchong Dee (@enchongdee777) November 2, 2020
https://twitter.com/nikkivaldez_/status/1323138609088667653?s=20
Antoinette Jadaone quipped saying that the Typhoon should’ve adjusted its schedule because it’s ‘rest day for the President.
ADJUST TALAGA ANG BAGYO! Wag pupunta ng Linggo, rest day! Monday 11pm onwards ka tumama, bagyo pls ganern??? https://t.co/K3VK9t1FYb
— Toñet (@tonetjadaone) November 2, 2020
Jules Guiang then brought up Duterte’s ‘hunger’ for emergency powers while being absent during emergencies.
For a person obsessed with emergency powers, kulang na kulang naman sa konsepto ng emergency at sense of urgency. pic.twitter.com/aQJrE5XMTu
— Jules Guiang (@julesguiang) November 2, 2020
Chynna Ortaleza said that she is not expecting Duterte to physically protect the country but he could’ve at least released a statement or announcement for the public’s awareness.
No I am not expecting anyone from government to try to stop the storm physically. I was looking for the President yesterday because I needed to hear clear directives coming from him. Kahit wala siya sa briefing- a statement.. a phone patch.. that would have been enough.
— Chynna Ortaleza (@ChynsOrtaleza) November 2, 2020
Richard Gordon defended the President, saying he is entitled to rest and protect himself during the typhoon.
Frankie Pangilinan agrees that the President is entitled to rest but it is also his responsibility to address the crisis.
ok but it’s not about entitlement it’s about duty and responsibility as a leader kayo na nagsabing entitled ha https://t.co/VQ7auaOLkk
— kakie (@kakiep83) November 2, 2020
“he’s entitled to rest” but he’s also the president — at least an effort to address crises is the bare minimum of his job description ?? if he’s incapable of being a leader in hard times what is he doing in office ?????
— kakie (@kakiep83) November 2, 2020
Meanwhile, Presidential Aide Senator Bong Go said that Duterte has been working 24/7 even though he is in Davao.
Typhoon Rolly is labeled as the world’s tropical cyclone for the year 2020. The Bicol province experienced the most damage by Rolly causing 16 deaths, 10 in Albay, and 6 in Catanduanes.
The Office of Civil Defense approximates about 370,000 were displaced and about 10,000 homes were damaged.
