(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte departed for Singapore on Thursday, April 26, to attend the 32nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Duterte read from a prepared speech prior to his departure at the Davao International Airport, and cited the issues he would be discussing during the meeting.
Earlier, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Helen Dela Vega said in a press briefing that ASEAN leaders such as Duterte would talk about ways to address trafficking in persons, illicit drugs and disaster management and regional and global issues that impact on the peace and security of the region, among others.
The President also noted that he would be using a “jet” he “borrowed” to go to Singapore.
“But I will have to pay for the fuel sa mga piloto. Nakakuha ako ng ‘privatized stewardess.’ I’ll pay for the allowances and all ng mga piloto and the stewardess,” he said.
After his speech, the President did not take questions, saying he was “very late” for a scheduled dinner.
The ASEAN summit is scheduled from April 27 to April 28.
