When a President Goes to Sleep Instead of Meeting
Picture a grand dinner in Port Moresby, the kind of gala where heads of state swap a few smiles and exchange a tiny bit of official charm. Now imagine that the Philippine boss has decided to trade the toast for toes in his box—thanks to a coveted power nap.
What Happened?
- Missing the Main Event: Duterte, 73, waved goodbye to Saturday’s summit dinner—no late‑night reggaes for him.
- Swap in Style: His trade minister hit the stage in a bright yellow and red Papua New Guinean shirt, a moment that could’ve made a runway photo for a meme.
- Late Arrival: A Sunday buzz saw the president actually show up at the convention centre, but that was long after the big debates had started.
Why the Flash‑Back?
Official notes say the President “cutted short” his trip—before the big talks even kicked off. But then, Taiwan‑style gossip signed off on a “sleep shortness” issue instead of any health drama.
Our Sidelong Look at the Back‑Table Gossip
- Health claims: The Bad Habits Hub warned that Duterte has chronic migraines and a conditions that’s a can’t‑tell‑if‑you‑need‑a‑doctor scenario.
- Comparison Station: While Malaysia’s 93‑year‑old Prime Minister Mahathir keeps showing up like a Sunday school teacher, Duterte’s “just one day” insistence ran a little like a smooth jazz solo that ends abruptly.
- Did he really go to the lights, or was it just a well‑planned “no‑show” to enjoy a nap? An open question no one can answer without the president showing up.
Why It Matters
Diplomatic etiquette is all about the right dance steps. When the leading figure on the dance floor leaves early, the whole party feels a bit awkward. Summits are a glimpse into how world leaders meet, disagree, and, ideally, cooperate—so missing a session is like an unexpected pause in a recording you talk about in future history books.
So, Bottom Line
Even if his reason was a simple “addicted to rest,” Duterte’s decision made a headline big enough to knock a baby out of its diaper. From the second look, it may have gone down like a coffee break across the globe, but for those waiting for a closed door only to be opened by a snooze button, it felt like a real lost opportunity.
President Duterte’s “Nap” Politics: Why the Big Summits Are a No‑go
1⃣ Snack‑Skipping Style
While the world was busy rubbing shoulders, Duterte was napping on a buzzing Philippine lawn. “What’s wrong with my nap?” he quipped, turning a sleep emoji into a political statement.
2⃣ Formalities: The Unproductive Bash
Speaking to AFP, the former mayor‑turned‑president admitted that the so‑called “formalities” feel like a time‑waster. “They’re frustrating and a slight waste of time,” he said, meaning the endless protocolos just rotate the same dull playlist.
3⃣ The ‘Informal Breakfast’ Debacle
- Australia yanked an invitation for a laid‑back breakfast in Singapore.
- Duterte shot back, “I told my soldiers why would I attend when I don’t even eat breakfast!”
- He added a cheeky twist: “What will they serve us there, kangaroo?”
4⃣ Reuniting in Port Moresby
After hosting a regional gathering last year, Duterte turned up Friday night in Port Moresby to meet Filipino nationals and explain his summit absences, unearthing why he might have pulled a classic “time‑out” at the political table.
5⃣ Bottom Line: Straight Talk, Shared Laughs
In the end, Duterte’s approach shows he’s not into fluff or fancy speeches. He keeps it real, adds some humor, and sometimes just hits the sweet spot of a good nap.
