Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte hits all the right notes on Hong Kong visit

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte asked his compatriots to give him four years to fulfil his campaign promises, and said his country was one of the “lucky” ones to be called to the Belt and Road Forum

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Singer Kristine Gonzaga Demeterio sings a duet with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ahead of his address at a city hotel. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 10:15pm, 13 May 2017Updated: 4:52pm, 19 May 2017

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte received a chorus of approval at his only public event during his two-day stay in Hong Kong, which seemed almost appropriate as the controversial leader burst into song ahead of his speech on Saturday.

The president sang a surprise duet with singer Kristine Gonzaga Demeterio to the delight of the 800-strong crowd gathered at the Regal Airport Hotel, who chanted his name throughout his address.

Listen: Duterte sings a duet with Kristine Gonzaga Demeterio

He asked his compatriots to give him four years to fulfil his campaign promises, and said his country was one of the “lucky” ones to be called to the Belt and Road Forum. He said he hoped to discuss trade and how his country could benefit from the economic plan devised by President Xi Jinping.

The visit to the city is Duterte’s first as president, as he makes his way to the forum in Beijing.

“Just give me three to four years [to get things done] ... Just give me time to stop corruption,” he said. “I am really trying my very best.”

Duterte giving his speech during his visit to Hong Kong at the Regal Airport Hotel.Photo: Dickson Lee