(Eagle News)– Government officials explained that President Rodrigo Duterte missed two meetings at the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos on Thursday (September 8) because he was ill.
“He was not feeling well in the morning so he missed the two sessions. But he was able to attend the East Asia Summit with 18 world leaders and the rest of the day’s remaining schedule until departure for Indonesia early evening today,” Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza said.
Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Charles Jose confirmed the president’s situation and his attendance at the East Asia Summit.
The President missed the meetings with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the United States President Barack Obama which were scheduled Thursday morning.
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar noted that before the ASEAN Summit, Duterte had been busy sympathizing with the families of Davao City blast victims which caused him to have migraine.
“And then he had to work here in Laos in bilateral meetings. I guess it’s taken its toll on our president,” Andanar said.
Duterte is set to fly to Indonesia on Thursday night for a 24-hour working visit.