Rody vows best behavior in meeting with emperor
Rodrigo Rodrigo Duterte said that aside from his dinner meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his three-day working visit to Japan included a meeting with the emperor. Facebook.com/Jess Dureza, File
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Duterte vowed to watch his language when facing Japanese Emperor Akihito during a courtesy visit in Tokyo today.
Duterte said that aside from his dinner meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his three-day working visit to Japan included a meeting with the emperor.
In a pre-departure press conference at the Davao airport on Sunday night, Duterte said he has to temper his language during his visit, when delivering the Filipinos’ warm greetings for Japan.
The President cited the close ties between the Philippines and Japan, attributing it partly to the respect the two nations have for each others’ leaders.
Duterte said it is important for him to visit the emperor this time, as he was not able to do so the last time he was in Tokyo.
He said the death of the emperor’s uncle was one of the reasons his visit was called off.
The emperor is expected to relinquish his throne next year.
“It’s kind of a homage to see the emperor before he abdicates,” Duterte said.
He is the first head of state to visit Japan following Abe’s reelection last week.
This would be Duterte’s second visit to Tokyo and his third meeting with Abe, who reciprocated the gesture with a trip to Manila and Davao City in January.
17 battalion chiefs join Japan trip
The President and his party, which included 17military battalion commanders and their staff who defended Marawi City, are expected to return home tonight.
The officers joined the President on an Airbus 320 chartered flight that took off from Davao City on Sunday night, Philippine Army chief Maj. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista said.
The trip to Japan was sort of a reward to the officers for defending Marawi.
Another trip, this time to Hong Kong, is being arranged for female officers who took part in the operations against Maute terrorists.
Duterte promised an all-expense-paid trip to Hong Kong for the female soldiers who helped defeat the Mautes.
The President made the promise during a visit to the frontlines to check on troops and boost their morale.
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