CEBU CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte has given his word to sign an executive order declaring October 26, the day Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal will be buried, a holiday in the entire province of Cebu.
The President gave his assurance past midnight of Monday when he paid his last respects to the late archbishop at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral here.
Duterte made a stopover in Cebu for a quick visit at the wake of Vidal after attending the 38th Masskara Festival in Bacolod City.
The President arrived around 12:05 Monday morning at the wake where he was welcomed by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and members of the cardinal’s family.
After offering a silent prayer at the casket of Vidal, the President delivered a short speech at the Cathedral, assuring the declaration of October 26 as holiday.
Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino, meanwhile, said he has yet to clarify the details of the executive order declaring Oct. 26 a holiday, but expects Duterte to sign the EO not later than Tuesday.
The President approached and extended his condolences to the prelate’s younger brother, Juanito Vidal, who patiently waited for the Chief Executive’s arrival on a wheelchair. Juanito was so excited to have finally met Duterte.
Duterte also asked for the Cebuanos’ understanding that he could not stay long at the wake as he has a lot of documents to be signed in Malacañang.
Palma thanked the President for taking a brief moment of his time to visit the wake of the late cardinal.
Past Presidents Fidel V. Ramos, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and Benigno Simeon Aquino III, and Vice President Leni Robredo have also expressed their desire to come to Cebu, according to Palma, but have not announced their arrival dates yet. (PNA)
