Duterte now prepping for 30th Asean summit

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is now preparing for the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and Related Meetings, which will be held in Manila this week, Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr. said Monday.

Paynor, director general for operations of Asean 2017 National Organizing Council, said the President is expected to have his final briefing on Tuesday, April 25, or barely a day before the Asean summit.

He said Duterte is a quick learner so he has a "fairly good grasp" of over a hundred issues that are expected to be tackled during the meetings, which will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on April 26 to 29.

"On the substantive side, he (Duterte) continues to have briefings. And he will have a final briefing – I think, I am not mistaken – tomorrow," he told reporters.

"One thing with the President, he absorbs very quickly. There are figuratively a hundred and one issues so no one is expected to have a mastery of all unless you are in these meetings every time. So this is his first time. It's expected that he does not know all the issues, but of the many issues, he has a fairly good grasp of these," Paynor added.

Duterte had already been briefed on the overall preparations for the summit last Thursday.

The President is expected to meet all nine leaders of Asean member-states, except to Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw who will be represented by State Counselor and Foreign Minister Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

“All will come. [However], Myanmar head of state is not coming but they have designated Aung San Suu Kyi as head of the delegation so all the other heads of government are coming,” Paynor said.

Paynor expressed confidence that Duterte will present himself well in front of the Asean leaders.

“His demeanor is proper. His attire is his personal choice but when he conducts himself in front of leaders, he’s okay,” he said.

Malacañang has suspended work in public offices and classes in all levels in Metro Manila on April 28 for the summit. It has also announced work and class suspension in some parts of Manila, where the Asean meetings will be held.

About 40,000 security personnel will be deployed to ensure the security and safety of those who will be participating in the event.

Meanwhile, Paynor also confirmed that Duterte's common-law wife Cielito "Honeylet" Avanceña is the official hostess of the spouses of Asean leaders.

Paynor said it was Duterte's personal decision to pick Avanceña to escort the six spouses who are expected to arrive in the country for the summit.

“There will be spouses’ program. I understand that they will be shown the Metropolitan Museum and will be hosted lunch by Madam Honeylet. She’s the official hostess,” Paynor said.

“She can hold her own definitely,” he added.

This was the second time Avanceña will accommodate a spouse of other countries’ leaders. She was able to accompany Akie Abe, wife of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during an official visit in January. (SunStar Philippines)

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