President Rodrigo Duterte (right) with US President Donald Trump in their first bilateral meeting on Monday, Nov. 13, 2017. (Photo by NESTOR CORRALES / INQUIRER.net)
Known for his love-hate relationship with the media, President Rodrigo Duterte found a unique way to use his sense of humor in asking the media to leave the room during his bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump on Monday.
Some local and foreign media covering the two leaders were given a brief time to cover their bilateral meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
The two leaders exchanged pleasantries before they discussed issues of common interest.
An American journalist asked Trump if he would raise human rights issues during his meeting with Duterte.
But Duterte butted in, saying it was not time to ask questions.
“We are not answering any [questions]. We’re having a bilateral meeting. Maybe the press conference would follow,” he said.
When it was time to ask the reporters to leave the room, Duterte used his sense of humor.
“We would be talking on matters that are of interest to both the Philippines and US,” Duterte told both foreign and local journalists. “With you around, guys, you are the spies.”
Reporters were then ushered out of the room. /atm