NONTHABURI, Thailand – President Duterte is feeling “okay” and upbeat” while participating in the regional summit in Thailand, according to his spokesman Salvador Panelo.
At the start of his official visit to Thailand, the President attended the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit plenary session late Saturday afternoon.
Duterte joined leaders to witness the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the ASEAN and FIFA on football development in the region. He and fellow Southeast Asian leaders received special football jerseys from FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the signing ceremony.
“Okay naman siya. Okay siya kahapon. Upbeat,” Panelo told reporters on the sidelines of the regional summit.
Asked if the President will complete his attendance to the ASEAN summit, Panelo said: “I think so.”
Duterte, who has been recently diagnosed with muscle spasms, was not seen using a cane at the summit plenary but boarded a small cart to ferry him to the next ASEAN engagement inside the Impact Exhibition and Convention Center.
Some ASEAN leaders also chose to ride the indoor vehicle while others opted to walk to the next hall.
On Sunday, the President is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the ASEAN summit and related meetings, followed by the 2nd ASEAN-China Summit, the 16th ASEAN-India Summit, and the 10th ASEAN-United Nations Summit.
On Monday, he will participate in the 22nd ASEAN plus Three Summit, the 7th ASEAN-United States Summit, the 14th East Asia Summit, the 22nd ASEAN-Japan Summit, and the 3rd Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Summit.
Malacanang had earlier said the President’s pain has considerably eased after taking some rest and medication. The 74-year-old Duterte, however, continued to get consultation from his doctor, Panelo added. (Genalyn Kabiling)
