Duterte to skip daughter Sara's campaign kickoff

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to skip the campaign kickoff rally of his daughter, vice presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, and her running mate former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., Malacañang said Tuesday.

"According to the Appointment's Office here in Malacañang, wala pong ganyang entry sa kanyang calendar as of last night," acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said at a press briefing when asked if the President will attend Sara's campaign kickoff in Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

(His attendance for that is not on his schedule as of last night.) 

In an ambush interview with reporters at the Philippine Arena, Attorney Vic Rodriguez, Marcos' spokesman, said they were not able to reach out to the President regarding his attendance.

"Hindi na kami nakapag-reach out kay PRRD," Rodriguez said, adding they are mindful of Duterte's health and safety.

Duterte chairs the PDP-Laban wing headed by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, which has endorsed Sara's vice presidential bid. The group has yet to endorse a presidential candidate.

In his Talk to the People late Monday night, Duterte said he would not endorse a presidential candidate unless there is a compelling reason for him to change his mind.

Malacañang, meanwhile, called on the candidates to ensure a fair and peaceful elections.

"Do not let drug money penetrate the election," Nograles said in the same briefing. —with Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News