Tardy Duterte misses Asean Plus Three Summit photo session

President Rodrigo Duterte arrives for the 22nd Asean Plus Three Summit. Photo by Krissy Aguilar / INQUIRER.net

NONTHABURI, Thailand — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday did not make it to the family photo session at the 22nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Plus Three Summit.

The program was scheduled at 8:30 a.m. but the President arrived at around 8:53 a.m.

Duterte, however, attended the morning session of the summit’s last day here.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Junever Mahilum-West represented Duterte during the Asean photo session on stage.

Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo assured the President is “okay,” and was “late” because he passed by the restroom.

“He was late for a few minutes as he had to pass by the restroom,” Panelo said in a Viber message.

“He is ok.” #/gsg

Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Junever Mahilum-West (3rd from left) links hands with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and Singapore Prime Minister Hsien Loong  (Asean Thailand Live Feed )