Duterte a ‘rock star’ at APEC meet in Vietnam

MANILA, Philippines — Rock star Rody.

This was how Presidential  Communications Secretary Martin Andanar described President Duterte’s presence at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Vietnam during an interview with state-run Radyo Pilipinas yesterday. 

“Our President delivered a speech and the audience really applauded him. They are delegates of the APEC, not just Filipinos. They applauded his response,” Andanar said.

He was referring to Duterte’s response to a question on globalization during the APEC CEO Summit last Thursday.

During the forum, the President said globalization should pave the way to the equitable distribution of wealth and create an inclusive environment where everyone has an opportunity to grow. 

Andanar used the same words to describe Duterte during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Laos last year. 

The President arrived in the country last night from the three-day summit where he showcased his ability to be the leader of the 10-member bloc.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said the Chief Executive’s participation at the APEC meeting was a success, where he delivered a keynote speech at the APEC Business Advisory Council and attended the APEC-CEO meet, informal dialogue between the APEC and ASEAN leaders and the APEC Economic Leaders’ meeting.

“I think the President has proven that he is not just the leader of the Philippine; he’s not just the chairman of the ASEAN but he is a recognized leader for the rest of the developing world when he said that globalization should result in benefits for all,” Roque said.

Duterte addressed members of the APEC and asked for measures to assist countries left behind because of  globalization.

“That has been the theme of President Duterte’s remarks, not only in the plenary, but I think that is the theme for the Philippine position in general in this year’s APEC – that globalization should benefit all,” Roque said.

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