Duterte to skip Japan forum
“We regret to announce that H.E. Mr. Rodrigo Duterte, President of Republic of the Philippines, has canceled his appearance at this year’s conference,” sponsor Nikkei Inc. posted on its website. Richard Madelo/Presidential Photo, file
MANILA, Philippines - After cutting short his visit to Russia, President Duterte has cancelled his trip to Tokyo for the 23rd International Conference on the Future of Asia next week.
“We regret to announce that H.E. Mr. Rodrigo Duterte, President of Republic of the Philippines, has canceled his appearance at this year’s conference,” sponsor Nikkei Inc. posted on its website.
Duterte was scheduled to speak at the closing of the two-day conference, which takes places from June 5-6.
Foreign Affairs undersecretary for policy Enrique Manalo will take the place of the President at the conference, but it is not yet known if he will read Duterte’s closing speech.
Although no formal announcement has been made by Malacañang about the cancellation, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the President is currently faced with “a multitude of situations,” without directly referring to the overseeing of operations against the Maute group in Marawi City.
“...As far as we know, he would rather stay here,” said Abella, when pressed for official word on the trip cancellation at a press briefing.
The conference will be attended by a number of Asian leaders including Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Laos Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, Indonesia Vice President Jusuf Kalia and Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Somid Jatusripitak.
Duterte cut short his official visit to Russia shortly after declaring martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao last May 23.
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