Duterte changes mind, attends last day of APEC meeting

November 18, 2018

President Rodrigo Duterte has decided to stay at Papua New Guinea and attend the events during the second and last day of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting.

On Friday night, a revised schedule of the President came out, stating that he was supposed to cut short his trip to Port Moresby and to leave for Davao City on Saturday night.

But on Sunday morning, he joined his fellow APEC leaders for the second family photo at APEC Haus and in other meetings later in the day.

On Saturday night, however, he skipped the gala dinner for APEC leaders. He was instead represented by Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Malacanang has yet to issue a statement why Duterte changed his mind by sticking to his original schedule.

In a press briefing on Sunday at Papua New Guinea, Lopez said, "it's just right that he stays."

But he said he did not know that Duterte had initially planned to cut short his trip.

As to the President's skipping of the APEC gala dinner, Lopez could not also cite the specific reason.

"I don't know. Maybe he's not feeling well. I'm not privy to the condition of the President. I just got a marching order to attend and represent him. Usually the President would like to regain energy so that he could attend today," he explained.

Duterte has been criticized after his failure to attend at least four events during the 33rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Singapore prior to his attendance to APEC.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, Duterte took "power naps" why he failed to attend the ASEAN meetings during the second day.

The 73-year old Filipino leader was even compared by some observers to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad, who despite being 93 years old already, made it a point to attend the meetings during the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

Duterte is set to return to Davao City on Sunday night. Celerina Monte/DMS