Duterte can’t make it so impersonator shows up instead at Marikina evacuation center

President Rodrigo Duterte couldn't make it to Marikina City so his impersonator was brought in instead to cheer up evacuees seeking shelter from floods triggered by monsoon rains over the weekend.

In a video posted by website changescamming.net on Monday, Special Assistant to the President Christopher "Bong" Go was seen introducing the impersonator during his visit to the evacuees late Sunday night. The man then delivered a brief address, assuring the evacuees of government's help.

He also praised the work ethic of Go.

"Kung mayroon kayong Tatay Digong, mayroon din tayong Kuya Bong. Walang pinipiling oras; araw o gabi nagtatrabaho," the impersonator said.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said Tuesday he had no knowledge of the matter.

"Hindi ko po alam iyon. Anyway, please ask SAP," Roque told reporters.

Go, in a text message, said he would not respond to the online post.

"Wag na natin patulan," he said. 

The President was originally scheduled to do an aerial survey on affected areas on Sunday but it was canceled due to bad weather, according to Go. It was moved to Monday afternoon but was also called off.

In a 24 Oras report, Go said the President tried flying to Marikina City but the military would not allow him to go due to inclement weather.

Go said Duterte was in Davao City during the weekend when heavy rains caused severe flooding in many parts of Luzon. Duterte returned to Manila on Sunday.

In a speech on Monday before new appointees in Malacañang, the President said he is monitoring the situation in Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon hit by monsoon rains. — MDM, GMA News