PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte's absence in at least four major events in line with the 33rd Association of Southeast Nations (Asean) Summit and Related Summits in Singapore has no connection with his "physical health and well-being," Malacañang said on Thursday, November 14.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said there should not be a cause for worry as he reassured that the 73-year-old Chief Executive remains in good health.
He merely "took power naps to catch (up) on sleep," Panelo explained.
"We assure the nation that his aforementioned absence has nothing to do with his physical health and well-being which have been the subject of speculation," the Palace official said in a statement.
"The President’s constantly punishing work schedule is proof that he is in top physical shape," he added.
Duterte skipped the Asean-Australia Informal Breakfast Summit, the 20th Asean-Republic of Korea Summit, the Working Lunch hosted by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and the Second Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. attended the said four meetings on Duterte's behalf.
Panelo noted that Duterte was able to attend important events like the Asean-China Summit and the signing ceremony for the memorandum of understanding on economic cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Commission and Asean.
Panelo also stressed that Duterte even had a bilateral meeting with Asean chair and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to discuss concerns "that are mutually beneficial for the countries that they represent."
He added that Duterte also attended "important gatherings" of Asean member-states with their dialogue partners such as Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"We find it amusing that some quarters are making a big fuss of the President’s skipping a few meetings in today's Asean Related Summits," Panelo said.
"[Duterte] will also not attend the gala dinner scheduled tonight and will instead rest. Last night, the President worked late and had only less than three hours of sleep. It is unfortunate that the first event scheduled today was at 8:30am.," he added.
Panelo assured that Duterte would participate in the rest of the summits and hold a bilateral meeting with Abe on Thursday, November 15. (SunStar Philippines)