Whacked Out at ASEAN: Duterte’s Power‑Nap Saga
When the world’s top brass gather for the annual ASEAN summit, the Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte seemed to think a quick snooze could replace a full briefing. But fate (and a tight schedule) had other plans.
Who’s in the Room?
- Russian President Vladimir Putin
- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang
- US Vice‑President Mike Pence
- Singapore Premier Lee Hsien Loong
The Naptime Mix‑Up
On Wednesday the 73‑year‑old stirred up a bit of awkward silence by skipping four of the eleven meetings he’d signed up for—and even missed the gala dinner hosted by Singapore.
“What’s wrong with my nap?” Duterte asked reporters when he arrived at the venue the next day, half‑armed for a marathon of talks.
When pressed about whether he felt rested, his reply was tougher than a unseasoned steak: “Still not good enough, but it’s enough to keep me going for the last days.”
The Official Straight‑Talk
His office came in with a quick fix: “He only got three hours of sleep last night.”
Spokesman Salvador Panelo added, “He took power naps to catch up on sleep. Some people are sweating this a bit, but it’s nothing more than a health habit.”
The message was clear that the absences were not a sign of any serious illness—just a modern‑day fight against a sleepless world.
Long‑Term Health Gags
President Duterte isn’t a stranger to the headlines over his health. Since taking office in 2016, he’s publicly mentioned:
- Migraines that feel like thunder.
- Buerger’s disease, a stuck‑up vein issue partly tied to his smoking streak.
- A past spinal injury that once had him line‑up for fentanyl (yes, that powerful pain‑killer).
The Hardcore Drug War, the Main Story
Despite his relentless drug crackdown—tackling a problem that has claimed thousands—Duterte stays popular at home.
Still, the combination of a hard‑line policy and an unpredictable snoring schedule keeps people guessing about whether he’s sharp enough for world talks.
Age Matters (But Not Always)
In the lineup of senior leaders, the Philippines’ Duterte is the oldest president elected, yet he’s not the oldest on the guest list.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad sits 20 years ahead of Duterte and currently holds the title of the world’s oldest leader.
