
VIENTIANE, Laos (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – It finally happened on Wednesday night — the much-anticipated meeting between U.S. President Barack Obama and Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
The meeting between the two heads of state was cancelled twice, prompted by Duterte’s colorful language supposedly aimed at Obama.
The first meeting was cancelled by The White House soon after Duterte made the expletive-filled statement. A second meeting was supposed to happen at the state dinner hosted by the Laotion prime minister in honor of the ASEAN summit participating heads of state. Duterte was supposed to sit next to Obama on one side, and UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon on the other. That, too, was cancelled.
But in the holding room prior to the state dinner, Obama and Duterte were the last to leave for the banquet.
Here is a transcript of their conversation:
Obama: Did you bring me a barong tagalog?
Duterte: I did. I left it at your hotel’s front desk. Thank you for the suit and tie you gave me.
Obama: Oh, you’re most welcome. You looked dashing!
Duterte: I would like to apolo….
Obama: Don’t worry about it. I wasn’t offended. I know you’re a very colorful guy. The news media is making such a big deal out of this.
Duterte: Those son-of-a-bitches!
Obama: Now, now…
Duterte: I’m sorry, Mr. President
Obama: I’ve heard a lot about your word war with Senator Leila de Lima…
Duterte: That whore!
Obama: Meeting’s over. Time for dinner!
Duterte: Put*ng ina naman.
Obama: What did you just say?
Duterte: I said, “Thanks for this brief opportunity!”
Obama: Oh, okay. You’re welcome!
