Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has defended his granddaughter’s lavish photoshoot after she posed in a £10,000 dress for her coming-of-age ceremony.
Pictures show 17-year-old Isabelle Lovelie Duterte, the daughter of the President’s first son Paulo, in a red ballgown at the presidential palace in the capital, Manila.
The opulent shoot has sparked anger online amid claims the dictator’s wife, Imelda, was known for amassing a vast collection of more than 3,000 pairs of shoes.
The photo session, which involved a host of make-up artists and stylists, was part of her ‘debut’ party ahead of her 18th birthday and the dress is said to have been made by top designers including Garimon Roferos Couture, based in Dubai.
‘She is my relative. It’s a small matter to use Malacanang. I wasn’t there but even if I were, my granddaughter having her picture taken is just like visitors who go there and take pictures of themselves.’
‘I think his relatives, including his own grandchildren, can have their pictures taken in Malacanang,’ he added.
I don’t think it should be an issue because they should be living in Malacanang but they chose not to do so. They’re like ordinary citizens who can have their pictures taken in Malacañang.’
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