Caught on cam: Secretary Purisima dozes off at ASEAN Summit

NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar – It seems it’s been a long week for Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. The Cabinet secretary was pictured dozing off at the ASEAN Summit Plenary Session here while President Benigno Aquino III was addressing fellow leaders.

Spotted: Finance Secretary Purisima sleeping as Aquino speaks at the #ASEANSummit plenary @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/CHtYN0J6mw

— Natashya Gutierrez (@natashya_g) November 12, 2014

But can you really blame him? Purisima came straight from APEC in Beijing Tuesday evening, at 11:37 pm Myanmar time. The summit started at about 9:30 am on Wednesday, November 12.

Here’s what’s impressive though: before 6 am Wednesday, Purisima was spotted working out at the hotel gym despite the late flight. But judging from his resting eyes at the plenary session, it may have been a bit too much even for the seemingly tireless Cabinet member.

He wasn’t the only one that seemed winded from APEC, however.

President Benigno Aquino III was the last ASEAN leader to arrive at the opening – arriving at 9:05 am, or 5 minutes after the scheduled start of the ASEAN Opening Ceremony. After his arrival, only then did Myanmar President Thein Sein walk into the hall to begin the Summit.

As if to prove he was wide awake and attentive, Purisima later tweeted a photo of the leaders at the ASEAN-Indian Summit.

25th ASEAN Summit Group Photo, Nay Pyi Daw, Myanmar @ANCALERTS @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/sQLAUyedmJ

— Cesar Purisima (@CVP1960) November 12, 2014

Rise and shine, Secretary! About 10 more engagements to go! – Rappler.com