Rody cool with hot Chile

A woman rages like a bull against the police who have resorted to using rubber pellets and water cannons to disperse protesters in the streets of Chile. AFP Photo

President Rodrigo Duterte has backed the “hard decision” made by Chile’s President Sebastián Piñera to cancel its hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM) scheduled 16 to 17 of November this year, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Friday evening.

The Palace noted that Chile is red-hot being at the vortex of massive street protests spurred by civil disobedience campaign over metro transit hikes. In a statement, Panelo credited Chile, home to about 800 Filipino workers, for advocating inclusive and sustainable growth.

Mr. Duterte had earlier confirmed his participation in the summit before it was scuttled by Piñera. “We will continue to work to ensure our peoples enjoy the benefits of deeper regional economic integration,” Panelo said.