Rich country elbowing PH for perks during APEC?

A rich, powerful country is elbowing the Philippines for special treatment for its pool of reporters during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Manila, an APEC insider told Rappler.

The special treatment is for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting hosted by the Philippines, the source said. (READ: Philippines as APEC host: Bending over backwards for VIPs)

The meeting is scheduled from November 18 to 19 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

For this meeting, each of the participating countries or economies is allowed to bring two reporters each. 

The powerful country wants to bring 10 reporters to cover the event, set to be attended by world leaders such as US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“They’ve been calling every government official they know,” the APEC insider said.

We received information from another source that indeed, the embassy of that country has been trying to reach Philippine officials handling media coverage. 

The Philippine government is reportedly denying that country’s request because other countries might request the same special treatment.  

Founded in 1989, APEC is the highest-level, most influential forum in the Asia-Pacific. (READ: APEC what? An explainer on Manila’s high-profile week)

By hosting APEC, the Philippines aims to showcase its booming economy, even as critics slam the P9.8-billion ($208-million) price tag of this regional summit. – Paterno Esmaquel II/Rappler.com