Duterte changes mind, decides to finish APEC meet

PORT MORESBY – President Duterte changed his mind and attended the events during the last day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Papua New Guinea.

Malacañang previously announced that Duterte would cut short his visit here because of “urgent domestic developments” and would leave for the Philippines last Saturday night, a day earlier than originally scheduled.

But in an interview with reporters yesterday, the Philippines’ ambassador here confirmed that Duterte did not leave Port Moresby on Saturday. 

“(Duterte) will attend the whole meeting... Narito... hindi naman umuwi kagabi (He is here. He did not go home last night),” Philippine Ambassador to Papua Guinea Bienvenido Tejano said.

Duterte was seen entering the APEC Haus yesterday noon to attend the informal dialogue with the International Monetary Fund and the leaders’ retreat. 

Asked what prompted the President to change his mind, Tejano said: “Nagustuhan niya ang mga meeting dito (He liked the meetings here).”

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez could not say why the President decided to participate in the remaining activities of the APEC summit. He would have represented Duterte had the President’s plan to leave earlier pushed through. 

“It’s the decision of the President. I did not even know that he would return home earlier,” he said. 

Duterte skipped the gala dinner for APEC leaders last Saturday and was represented by Lopez, who was mum on the President’s absence.

“Maybe he is not feeling well. I’m not sure. I am not privy to the condition of the President… the marching order given to me was to attend and to represent. The President... usually would like to regain energy perhaps to attend today’s (Nov. 18) events,” he said. 

According to Tejano, Duterte just probably needed to rest because of his hectic schedule.

“Ako na rin ang mismo nagsabi, ‘Sir konting pahinga’ (I myself told him ‘Sir get some rest.’). I am very happy he will be here to attend the whole meeting,” the envoy added.

Lopez noted that Duterte had also complained of back pains but could not say whether an illness prevented the President from joining the dinner. 

“So we don’t know what affected him. That was his decision – if he wanted to rest to nurse his pain. But frankly, we don’t know. But the more important thing is he is here you know. He is attending all these meetings,” he said. 

After completing all his engagements, Duterte was scheduled to arrive in the country at 8:00 p.m. last night.

His arrival at the Davao International Airport will be treated as ordinary and, according to the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group XI, there are no military honors, ceremonies, statements and press conference scheduled for the event.

The group added that media coverage will not be allowed and that no high-ranking officers are set to meet him.

Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Eastern Mindanao Command chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said he was also not advised to meet the President last night. – With Edith Regalado