Duterte skips ASEAN-Australia Special Summit

President Rodrigo Duterte would not attend the summit of Southeast Asian leaders with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on March 17 to 18 in Sydney, Malacañang said Monday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque cited “developments at home” that needed Duterte’s attention including an appearance at the Philippine Military Academy graduation in Baguio City.

"He [Duterte] considers this graduation as an opportunity to dialogue with younger military officers, particularly on the manner by which the Philippine government and the military will deal with the problem of modern day terrorism," Roque said at a press briefing.

"The President, however, considers the Summit very important," he added.

Duterte will be represented by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano in the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, which will be held for the first time in Australia.

The summit aims to build on gains of economic cooperation, political dialogue, strengthen contribution to regional security and prosperity, and secure greater opportunities for businesses. — RSJ, GMA News