Netizens ask #NasaanAngPangulo

MANILA - Social media users flooded Twitter with the question #NasaanAngPangulo after President Benigno Aquino III did not attend the arrival honors for the fallen men of the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP-SAF).

President Aquino views a locally assembled car displayed at the Mitsubishi Gallery during the inauguration of the Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) Sta. Rosa Plant at Greenfield Automotive Park, Special Economic Zone in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna Thursday. Mitsubishi aims to reinforce its business in the country as part of its “New Stage 2016” mid-term plan. Photo by Robert Viñas, Malacañang Photo

While emotions were running high as the bodies of the 42 slain PNP-SAF commandos arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Thursday, Aquino, a known car enthusiast, was in Sta. Rosa, Laguna to attend the inauguration of the new manufacturing plant of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines.

Netizens believe that Aquino, as commander-in-chief, should have been there to pay respects to the fallen heroes.

Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte earlier explained that Aquino was not originally scheduled to attend the arrival honors. She said the president will be leading the necrological services to be held in Camp Bagong Diwa on Friday morning.

However, social media users said this was not an excuse for Aquino to prioritize the Mitsubishi event.

As of posting, the hashtag #NasaanAng Pangulo was the top trending topic worldwide.