The glamorous pre-debut photos of Isabelle Duterte, the first granddaughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, went viral as it got mixed reactions from netizens.
Isabelle, daughter of Davao City Mayor Paolo Duterte and Lovelie Sangkola Sumera, is turning 18 on January 26, 2018.
Prior to that, Isabelle posed for pre-debut photos at the Malacañang Palace.
Observers said that this is the first time that the Palace was used as a venue for pre-debut shoot. In one of the photos, Isabelle wore a red off-shoulder red ball gown by Garimon Roferos Couture.
The images were shot by ace photographer Lito Sy, make-up by Winn Ramos, and hair by Frankie Bacierto.
“Bakit kailangan yung pictures niya kasama ang isa sa pinakamahalagang logo sa bansa?” a netizen asked.
“Ok lang mag photo shoot dyan basta hwag gamitin ang presidential seals. Mayroon silang rules and restrictions sa loob ng Malacañang na kahit sinong relatives ng present higher official hindi pwede gamitin except the President. Sana inalam muna ang restrictions. Nakita ko may pictures na may presidential seals. Yon ang d pwede,” another netizen commented.
The Palace defended the pre-debut photo shot of Isabelle.
“Sa ’kin, wala namang masama doon. Nag-pose lang for birthday pictures yung apo ni Presidente sa Malacañang,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in an interview on GMA News Online last Dec. 15.
“I don’t think it should be an issue. Kasi dapat nga nakatira sila sa Malacañang. Hindi naman sila tumitira sa Malacañang so gaya sila ng ordinaryong mamamayan na pwede ring mag-picture-picture sa Malacañang. Huwag na po nating ipagkait yung photo opportunity sa loob ng Palasyo,” Roque said.
Roque also said that the Palace did not use any government funds for the photo shoot. “Ayaw na lang lumalabas ni Presidente para sa mga social events so kung gusto mo makasama ang presidente, pupunta ka dito, dala-dala mo caterer mo. Walang taxpayer’s money.” (Robert R. Requintina)
