President Rodrigo Duterte admitted that he intentionally skipped the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting and other key events in Lima, Peru because he wanted to avoid an “awkward situation” with outgoing US President Barack Obama.

Speaking before members of the Wallace Business Forum in Malacañang on Monday night, the President said having a bum stomach was just an excuse for his absence in major events at his first APEC meeting.

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