Philippine News Agency
Duterte never pretends, Roque tells critics
President Rodrigo Duterte's 76th birthday celebration in Davao City drew criticism for photos portraying a simple celebration, initially lacking lechon.
Photos released by Senator Bong Go showed the President blowing out a candle on a serving of rice.
However, a deleted video from the event revealed a table laden with food, including a lechon, contradicting the initial portrayal.
Bayan Muna Representative Ferdinand Gaite criticized the perceived "acting poor" for photo opportunities as mocking those genuinely struggling.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque defended the President, accusing critics of "crab mentality" and stating that the celebration was not extravagant.
Roque added that Duterte has never claimed to be among the poor and hungry.
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See how different news organizations are covering this story. Below are the original articles from various Philippine news sources that contributed to this summary.
President Rodrigo Duterte is celebrating his 76th birthday in Davao City with his family while performing his presidential duties.
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Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque defended President Rodrigo Duterte for an attempt to touch a woman, identified as a longtime househelp, during his 76th birthday celebration video.
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A home-based bakery in Pasig, Nicelybaked, has created a "rice cake" inspired by photos from President Rodrigo Duterte's 76th birthday celebration.
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