MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte is set to join the US-organized Summit for Democracy to be held this week, Malacañang announced yesterday.

“President Duterte has accepted United States President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s invitation to participate in the Summit for Democracy on Dec. 9-10, 2021,” a statement issued by the Office of Presidential Protocol read.

The statement noted that Biden has invited heads of states, government leaders and representatives from the business and non-government sectors to join the virtual summit.

Citing Biden’s invitation to Duterte, Malacañang said the US would host the Summit for Democracy “with humility and in the spirit of mutual learning.”

“President Biden further said that together, we will ‘embark on the work necessary to shape a prosperous and peaceful future built on respect for the rights and aspirations of all people,’” the Palace statement read.

Biden, Malacañang added, is looking forward to welcoming Duterte and hearing his ideas on how they can foster a “more democratic, equitable, inclusive and sustainable world.”

“We recognize and appreciate your partnership in working to build democratic and human rights-respecting societies that allow all citizens to thrive. In a moment of significant challenge and enormous opportunity, it is more important than ever for democracies to prove that we can deliver for the needs of our people,” the Palace statement quoted Biden as saying.

Duterte, the statement said, welcomes the opportunity to “share the Philippine democratic experience and commitment to democratic values and nation-building” at the summit.