Crab mentality reared its ugly head when critics alleged President Duterte pretended to be poor when celebrated his birthday over the weekend, according to a Palace official.
(OPS / FILE PHOTO)
The President actually made "no extravagant show of wealth” and kept his birthday celebration simple at home, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Monday, March 29.
The former Davao City mayor turned 76 on March 28. He spent his birthday with his family in Davao City.
"I don't think the President ever pretended to be poor. He has always been known as simple and that's why he did not have guests on his birthday,” Roque said over ANC’s Headstart Monday, March 29.
“I think it is crab mentality really for anyone to suggest that the President was pretending. No, the President never pretends. He's known for his authenticity. He has simple celebrations and I think that what happened to his birthday,” he added.
In the photos shared by his former assistant and now Senator Christopher Go, Duterte, clad in a white shirt and shorts, was seen trying to blow out a candle placed on a cup of rice, instead of a cake, at home.
Duterte's supposed simple birthday celebration later drew criticisms online following the emergence of photos and videos showing there was actually lechon served during the occasion.
Roque, however, defended the President from the latest criticism. He said there was no lavish birthday party despite the presence of special food items prepared for his birthday.
"There may have been food served for special occasions but that did not violate any sense of decency. There was no extravagant show of wealth because the President was in t-shirt and in shorts and celebrated only with his family,' he said.