Duterte defends his ‘power naps’ during absence in ASEAN events

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte joins other leaders from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries during the 21st ASEAN-Japan Summit at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre in Singapore on November 14, 2018. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, November 15, defended the “power naps” he took that caused his absence from several meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held in Singapore.

Among the 11 activities scheduled on Wednesday, the President missed six, including the working lunch hosted by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. It was Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr.

who filled in for him during those meetings.

Despite skipping these events to catch up on sleep, Duterte told reporters that he was still not satisfied with his power naps.

“Still not good enough, but enough to sustain the endurance for the last days,” he said.

“Why what’s wrong with my nap? I do not eat breakfast and I’m sure you ladies know that,” he added.

The Chief Executive showed up early for the third and final day of the 33rd ASEAN Summit, which started with a breakfast meeting with other Southeast Asian Leaders and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Duterte, however, failed to appear in the photo opportunity for the summit and was instead represented again by Locsin.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier said the President decided to just take a rest after he worked late on Tuesday and had only less than three hours of sleep.

Panelo also clarified that Duterte’s absence in several ASEAN events was not due to the state of his health, which has been the subject of much speculation.

“We assure the nation that his aforementioned absence has nothing to do with his physical health and well-being,” the spokesman said, adding that he found it “amusing” that others were making a “big fuss” on the President’s non-appearances.

“The President’s constantly punishing work schedule is proof that he is in top physical shape,” he added.

After all the activities in Singapore, Duterte will fly to Papua New Guinea to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leader’s Meeting which will be held from November 17 to 18.