Duterte at the ASEAN Summit 2016

President Duterte at Asean Summit

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is an organization of southeastern Asian nations that promotes both political and economic activities of nations comprising it. ASEAN Summit is a yearly activity in which the leaders and representatives of the member countries discuss things regarding their concerns of different issues and certain things they want to promote and talk about. This year 2016, the ASEAN Summit will be held in Laos which will be attended also by US President Barack Obama.

Known for his fearless governance, especially his campaign against drugs and crimes, newly elected president of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte gives positive vibes to the members of the ASEAN wanting to meet him and have one on one conversation with him. Six political leaders including host country Laos president already sent him an invitation of one on one meeting but none of them so far received confirmation.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the Philippines asked the media and political leaders especially ASEAN members NOT to give false judgments on President Duterte’s unresponsiveness. Reports say that the Philippine President turned down the invitations including Obama’s. Pres. Duterte’s response was not affirmative yet but also not a “no”. The office of the ASEAN Affairs Secretary dela Vegas asked the members of the ASEAN not to give malice on this. The secretary even added that the main reason why the Philippine President has not confirmed any invitations yet it is because of his hectic schedule. This schedule includes meetings mostly everyday which run from night until early in the morning,  interviews and media press conference, his appearances in military events, and visiting different regions in the Philippines. Also his responsibilities while going to different regions in Mindanao which is a region of diverted communities, especially in Davao City and recently in Sulu and the devoted Philippine President might not grant any invitations outside of his priorities yet because of these.