Duterte sings at gala for Trump

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said President Trump urged him to perform a duet with a singer at a gala for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, The Associated Press reported.

Duterte, according to the report, said he performed the song “upon the orders of the Commander-in-Chief of the United States,” a remark that evoked a smile from Trump.

Duterte welcomed Trump to the Philippines on Sunday and the two leaders met on Monday during the ASEAN summit.

{mosads}Trump during joint remarks with the Philippine leader praised Duterte, saying they have “a great relationship.”

“But we very much appreciate the great treatment you’ve given us. I thought last night’s event was fantastic,” Trump said Monday.

“Tremendous talent — most of it, I guess, from the Philippines.  But tremendous talent — musical talent, dance talent. And we really had a tremendous time, all of the leaders.”

The White House and a spokesman for Duterte gave conflicting accounts of whether human rights were discussed during the two leaders’ meeting. 

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the issue was “briefly” discussed, but a spokesman for Duterte said it was not mentioned. 

Trump has been pressured to raise the issue with Duterte, who is accused of abuses amid a crackdown in his nation on drugs.