MANILA, Philippines --- No visitors please.
Malacañang on Thursday appealed to the public to give President Benigno S. Aquino III a time to rest fully while he is on a much-needed holiday break.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said there are still people who flock to the place where Aquino is staying while on vacation.
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"Our request is if we can ask those people who intend to visit him or who want to pay a courtesy call to the President to refrain from doing so and give him the freedom to rest properly," Lacierda said.
He said there are people who wanted to pay the President a visit while he is on vacation. He, however, did not disclose if those people are also public officials or private citizens.
The Palace official asked that instead of going to Aquino, these people may course their concerns to other government agencies or officials.
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"Imbis na makipagpulong siya sa trabaho sa gobyerno eh meron naman tayong ibang public officials na pwedeng puntahan at kausapin [instead of allowing him to conduct meetings while on vacation, they can talk to other government officials]," Lacierda said.
"Hayaan natin itong ilang araw niyang pagpapahinga na sa kanya lang itong oras na ito at huwag munang gumawa ng trabaho [Let's give him these few days to fully rest. This is his personal time and away from work]," he added.
Lacierda also assured that the President, although on vacation, is "in touch" when it comes to matters of State.
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Aquino left Christmas evening for his hometown in Tarlac and then for Baguio City, where he will be spending a few days for the rest of the holidays, as advised by Health Secretary Enrique Ona.
The President is accompanied by Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras and his family as well as some of their colleagues from Ateneo de Manila University.
Aquino himself said earlier that he is looking forward to a few days of vacation during the Christmas break.
Due to bouts of fever, cough and cold in the past weeks, the President was advised to take some rest.
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