Duterte accepts invitation to Biden's Summit for Democracy

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is set to join the US-organized Summit for Democracy to be held this week, Malacañang announced Tuesday.

"President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has accepted United States President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.'s invitation to participate in the Summit for Democracy on Dec. 9-10, 2021," a statement issued by the Office of Presidential Protocol read.

The statement noted that Biden has invited heads of states, government leaders, and representatives from the business and non-government sectors to join the virtual summit.

Citing Biden's invitation to Duterte, Malacañang said the US would host the Summit for Democracy "with humility and in the spirit of mutual learning."

"President Biden further said that together, we will 'embark on the work necessary to shape a prosperous and peaceful future built on respect for the rights and aspirations of all people,'" the Palace statement read.

Biden, Malacañang added, is looking forward to welcoming Duterte and hearing his ideas on how they can foster a "more democratic, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world."

"We recognize and appreciate your partnership in working to build democratic and human rights-respecting societies that allow all citizens to thrive. In a moment of significant challenge and enormous opportunity, it is more important than ever for democracies to prove that we can deliver for the needs of our people," the Palace statement quoted Biden as saying.

Duterte, the statement said, welcomes the opportunity to "share the Philippine democratic experience and commitment to democratic values and nation-building" at the summit.

The US under former president Barack Obama had assailed the alleged extrajudicial killings linked to the Philippines' drug war, prompting Duterte to accuse Washington of interfering with Manila's internal issues.

Earlier this year, Duterte thanked the US for donating COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines and expressed readiness to go to Washington to personally express his gratitude to American officials.