An open letter to my fellow citizens in the Metro Manila area, the municipality of Pateros, the cities of Caloocan, Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela.

Greetings, a great number of individuals, communities, organizations, companies and other institutions have invited me to grace their important events as guest of honor. While I considered it a privilege and responsibility to be in touch with the people, I have had to—again and again decline for a very simple reason.

As president, my travels always include protocols and security measures which create traffic congestion and disturb the flow of everyday lives and activities.

As it is, we are still burdened with traffic issues in the Metro Manila area. It seems only prudent and sensible not to add a necessary stress to our efforts of creating comfortable lives that include all.

Until such time as we have effectively addressed these matters, please understand that I may need to decline your warm and respectful invitations.

My deepest apologies. But please bear in mind that I have only your—the peoples and the nation’s best intentions at heart. I remain therefore. Sincerely. Signed, Rodrigo Roa Duterte.