The burning of Singaporean flag involving President Rodrigo Duterte when he was still mayor here in the 90s was a “non-issue” now for the Singaporean government.
Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Antonio Morales said that the issue was not raised during his meeting with the Singaporean officials for Duerte’s state visit, on December 15.
Morales also denied that Duterte was blacklisted in Singapore after he burned their flag to show his protest for the execution of Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Flor Contemplacion in the 90’s.
“It is a non-issue for the Singaporean officials. It was never mentioned during our meetings,” he said. “In fact the President is visiting Singapore upon the invitation of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long.”
Contemplacion was sentenced to death for killing her employer’s child and her fellow OFW.
Duterte is set to arrive in Singapore midnight of Thursday after his visit to Cambodia.
He will meet President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Mnister Lee Hsien Long separately prior to his attendance on the state banquet.
The leaders are expected to discuss maritime security, economic relation and regional cooperation since Singapore is set to host the Asean after the Philippines.
Duterte will also meet the Filipino community on Friday where in, around 7,000 OFWs are expected to attend the event.
During the 2016 Presidential election, 80 percent of the overseas voters in Singapore voted for Duterte.
