By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
SINGAPORE---President Duterte missed four summits during the second day of the 33rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related summits here.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte poses for a selfie with his supporters on the sidelines of his attendance at the opening ceremony of the 33rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre in Singapore on November 13, 2018. VALERIE ESCALERA/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
The President attended four events in the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre including the ASEAN's Summit with China, Japan, and Russia; and his bilateral meeting with Singapore Prime Minister and ASEAN chairman Lee Hsien Loong.
Duterte skipped the first event of the day, the ASEAN-Australia Informal Breakfast Summit with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. After attending the ASEAN-China Summit, Duterte was not present in the ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ROK) Summit, and the working lunch with the other ASEAN leaders and guests.
Duterte also skipped the second Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) that was attended in by the leaders of the ASEAN countries and Japan, China, South Korea, India, New Zealand and Australia.
Foreign Affair Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., represented Duterte in the said events.
A Palace source told Malacañang reporters here in Singapore that President Duterte is taking a rest but will be returning to attend the other events.
This was not the first time that Duterte was a no-show during an important summit.
During the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Peru on November 2016, Duterte skipped the gala dinner and was also a no-show at the traditional family photo of the 21 Pacific Rim leaders.
Duterte also skipped the meeting of regional leaders with the United States and India on the last day of the ASEAN in Vientiane, Laos in September 2016.
Duterte is in Singapore for the three-day 33rd ASEAN Summit which will conclude Thursday. He will then fly to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea for the APEC Summit.