Duterte thanks media for ASEAN summit coverage

MANILA, Philippines — While he had some qualms about the media coverage, President Duterte on Tuesday thanked mainstream media for the coverage of the activities of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Manila.

Duterte cited the importance of the media coverage, which allowed the government to reach out to the public to be able to share the ideals of the ASEAN and the outcome of the meetings.

“I wish to express my appreciation to the members of the media for your coverage throughout the year of the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN,” he said.

“You have been invaluable partners in raising ASEAN awareness to our peoples, particularly our hard work toward improving the lives of our people and in strengthening our ASEAN Community. I thank you for getting that message across to the public,” he added.

But Duterte reminded the latter to ask him the “right questions” during his press conference late Tuesday night when he wrapped up the ASEAN activities.

“I will only respond to the right questions. The wrong questions you can just float it right... I will not waste my time explaining something which is ridiculous,” the Chief Executive said.

During his bilateral meeting last Tuesday with US President Donald Trump, Duterte jokingly asked the “pooled media” to leave the premises of their meeting by calling journalists “spies.”