Duterte won’t attend UN General Assembly in New York

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Duterte is skipping the United Nations General Assembly later this month because he has to focus on pressing domestic matters, according to Malacañang.

Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano will lead the Philippine delegation to the UN General Assembly in New York, DFA  spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar said on Friday.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Mr. Duterte has been limiting his trips abroad so  he could focus on vital concerns, such as the conflict in Marawi.

“The President has stated that he will minimize foreign travels for now to attend to pressing domestic concerns, such as the rehabilitation of Marawi,” said Abella, when asked about Mr. Duterte’s absence at the UN general assembly. —LEILA B. SALAVERRIA