ASEAN program to proceed as scheduled despite Trump's 'late arrival' -- DFA

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The program of activities of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit will proceed as scheduled even though US President Donald Trump is expected to arrive minutes before the international conference concludes.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Dominic Xavier "Dax" Imperial, spokesperson for ASEAN Affiars, reported on the matter in a press briefing on Friday.

"Regarding the program, nothing will be pushed back. We will proceed as planned with regard to the preparations especially on the closing ceremony," Imperial said.

"The day will culminate with the ASEAN-US Special Summit. So the Summit will still take place despite the late arrival of President Trump," he added.

Based on the ASEAN organizer's advisory, Trump is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, while the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Summit will end at 5:45 p.m.

Meanwhile, Trump and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will have a bilateral engagement on Wednesday, November 18.

Imperial did not provide further details about the meeting.

Trump's attendance has raised concerns among several civil society groups, with many announcing protests to denounce his visit to the Philippines. — VDV, GMA News