Duterte to attend SEA Games opening

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to lead the Philippines in welcoming the athletes and guests this weekend when he graced the opening ceremony of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Duterte would attend the opening rites of the regional multi-sport meet on Saturday evening at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Logistical troubles marred the country’s hosting of the SEA Games as foreign athletes begin to arrive and train for the games, which would be held in different venues in Metro Manila, Clark, and Subic and other areas from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.

The early SEA Games hosting glitches happened while Duterte was in Busan, South Korea for a two-day summit.

Duterte’s spokesman, Salvador Panelo, earlier said the President was “displeased” by the news of inconveniences.

According to Panelo, Duterte wants to launch an investigation into the hosting mess.

Top Filipino musicians and artists have been tapped to perform in the opening ceremony, including global Filipino-American singing superstar Apl.De.Ap of the group Black Eyed Peas.