During the said event, President Duterte (who is not wearing socks) was seen shaking hands with former president, now Manila Mayor Erap. In another photo, Erap smiles, as he sits beside Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. But unlike their reunion back in July 2016, former presidents, Fidel V. Ramos and Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III were not around this time.
In their speeches, PCCAI Chairman Emeritus and President Dr. James Dy, and PCCAI Chairman Dr. Benito Goyokpin highlighted the different contributions of their organization to the progress of the country. On the other hand, President Duterte expressed gratitude to the PCCAI. He also reiterated his aim to stop illegal drugs, terrorism, and corruption.
In his speech, President Duterte thanked all the soldiers who fought and are still tirelessly fighting against the Maute group in Marawi City, and expressed so much concern on the condition of the innocent victims caught in the middle of the battle. The Commander-in-Chief once again defending his decision to declare Martial Law in the entire Mindanao.
"Kapag nabasa ko yung… papel na iyan, tapos nakita ko yung mga wounded and dead, tapos dalawang pages, ako ang nasasaktan. And I feel even if it is right or wrong, the burden of guilt, naisip ko kasi yung mga nawalaan na ng nanay, nawalaan na ng tatay. Kaya kung pabilisan lang, gusto kong matapos na ito," President Duterte said.
Nevertheless, the absence of FVR and Noynoy Aquino in the said event brought one major question to the public - “Were they not invited to attend?” Based on our research, Ramos is currently out of the country. On the other hand, Aquino, who is not in good terms with Arroyo and is now under President Duterte's scrutiny, was invited but refused to come.
Contributed by Abner Esteno
why would he want too invite ramos or aquino after all they should of been executed for what they did when they were in power
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