Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a press conference in Davao on May 31, 2016 (AFP/ Manman Dejeto)
A 6,000-strong Filipino audience is expected to welcome Philippine strongman President Rodrigo Duterte when he meets the community in Qatar tomorrow evening at Lusail Multipurpose Hall.
Duterte is expected to arrive at Hamad International Airport from Bahrain this evening along with a trade delegation comprising around 20 Philippine companies as well as government entities on a three-day state visit to Qatar. The trade delegation will meet with Qatar Chamber and explore possible opportunities in various fields with Qatari businessmen.
In less than 24 hours after online registration started, all the 6,000 slots were filled, an indicator of Duterte's popularity among the diaspora here. The Philippine Embassy and United Filipino Organisations in Qatar (UFOQ) are spearheading the community event tomorrow from 6.30pm till 8pm. Gates will open at 2pm.
He is expected to sign a number of agreements.
