Duterte having second thoughts about ‘expensive’ Israel visit

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the launch of Pilipinas Angat sa Lahat Alliance held at Malacañang Palace, Rizal room, Aug. 14, 2018. INQUIRER PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

President Rodrigo Duterte is having second thoughts about pushing through with his scheduled visit to Israel and Jordan next month because of the expenses it will entail.

“It’s expensive to be flying around. I’m having second thoughts about going to Jordan and Israel because of the expense,” he said during a speech to businessmen on Tuesday night.

He jested that taking a commercial flight to Israel was not good.

“They said that if we go commercial in that area, it’s not good. You get hijacked, you get hit by a missile,” he said.

Malacañang announced his visit to Israel from Sept. 2 to 5, followed by a trip to Jordan.

The President is scheduled to meet with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Nethanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin. —Julie M. Aurelio