Duterte holds Cabinet meeting in Jordan to tackle economy, PH security

President Rodrigo Duterte holds a Cabinet meeting in Amman, Jordan on September 7 to discuss the economic and security developments in the Philippines. PHOTO: Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go

AMMAN – President Rodrigo Duterte held a Cabinet meeting here before dawn Friday (Philippine time) to discuss the economy, security and the recent developments back home in the Philippines.

Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go said the Cabinet officials gave an “update” to the President.

“[It’s about the] trip [and] the Philippines,” Go said in Viber message.

Asked about the specific agenda during the meeting, Go said “various” matters were discussed.

“It’s about the trip, economy and security,” he said.

Present during the meeting with were Go, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, DILG officer in charge Eduardo Año and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

While Duterte was on a foreign trip, the Philippines was beset by a nine-year high 6.4 percent inflation, a political tension triggered by a pending arrest of opposition Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV’s over the revocation of his presidential amnesty and a blast that rocked Sultan Kudarat province in Mindanao.

Duterte is on the second day of his official visit to Jordan after a four-day official visit to Israel.

He will fly back to the Philippines on Friday night, a day earlier than his scheduled trip back home.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said there was “no” special reason for Duterte’s shortened trip.

READ: Duterte to fly back home from Jordan a day earlier