Duterte to attend Asean-ROK Commemorative Summit

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will attend the 2019 Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Republic of Korea (Asean-ROK) Commemorative Summit in Busan on Nov. 25 to 26 despite his medical condition, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo confirmed Sunday.

Panelo also said the Chief Executive would most likely have a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in upon his return to South Korea.

“They will talk about trade, security, and other common concerns of the countries,” Panelo, who is also the chief presidential legal counsel, said in Filipino when asked of the issues the two leaders would discuss.

On Oct. 22, President Duterte cut short his Japan trip due to “muscle spasms” following his motorcycle mishap earlier on Oct. 17.

READ: ‘Unbearable pain’ cuts short Duterte trip to Japan

His last visit to South Korea in June 2018 became controversial after he kissed a Filipino woman in front of other overseas Filipino workers.

Women’s rights advocate Gabriela slammed this as “unethical,” “misogynistic,” and showed a lack of respect for women.

READ: Duterte’s meeting with Filipinos in Korea sealed ‘with a kiss’

/atm