Duterte late for ASEAN meeting, misses group photo

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte failed to join a family photo of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations with leaders of China, Japan and South Korea.

The Philippine leader was late for the 22nd ASEAN Plus Three Summit in Bangkok, Thailand Monday morning.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Junever Mahilum-West represented Duterte in the group photo with other leaders of the ASEAN Plus Three.

Leaders of ASEAN, China, Japan and ROK joining hands to connect the connectivities and promote sustainability in all dimensions #35ASEANSummit #ASEANThailand #THisASEAN @prayutofficial (4 Nov 2019) pic.twitter.com/SvdK7k54KS

— ASEAN2019TH (@ASEAN2019TH) November 4, 2019

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in joined the ASEAN leaders in the meeting. 

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte was late for a few minutes for the summit "as he had to pass by the restroom."

Duterte's spokesperson said the president was "okay" and that he is going to attend the meetings and related conferences of the 35th ASEAN Leaders' Summit in Thailand. — Patricia Lourdes Viray

Related Stories

'What's wrong with my naps?' says Duterte after skipping ASEAN meetings

Palace says video showing that Duterte did not receive FIFA jersey is ‘false’