Presidents Rodrigo Duterte and Vladimir Putin meet for the fourth time.

Malacañang on Thursday denied that government paid celebrities who performed in some engagements during President Rodrigo Duterte’s second trip to Russia this week.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the celebrities paid for their own airfare and accommodations being “genuine fans” of the President.

“As far as I know these artistas (artists) came over Moscow on their own. The government did not spend for their fare and hotel accommodations,” Panelo said in a statement.

He said the celebrities were there to perform for the Filipino community before the President’s arrival.

“As far as I know, when they entertain the Filipino community while waiting for the arrival of the President, they are not paid,” he added.

Panelo said these celebrities have been doing the same since Duterte’s presidential campaign in 2016.

“They have been doing that during the presidential campaign. They just happen to be genuine and rabid fans of the PRRD,” Panelo said.

Among the celebrities spotted in Russia were Cesar Montano, Philip Salvador, and comedian Moymoy Palaboy. (PNA)