In this file photo taken on July 26, 2021, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during the annual state of the nation address at the House of Representatives in Manila. POOL AFP MANILA Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has resisted the invitation of US President Joe Biden to attend the summit between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations next month.
A newly elected Philippine president and the next administration may not like any agreement or commitments to be discussed in the meeting, despite a taped meeting with some Cabinet members on Wednesday.
It's not good to go there knowing we already have a new president, Duterte said.
Filipinos will elect a new president on May 9, who will replace Duterte, whose six-year term ends in June. The Philippine constitution allows the president to serve a single six-year term.
The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs hasn't issued an official statement on who will be attending the summit. Duterte never visited the United States during his term in office.