President Rodrigo Duterte and Philippine Tourism secretary Wanda Teo (5th R) pose with Miss Universe candidates at the presidential palace in Manila, Philippines January 23, 2017. Erik De Castro, Reuters

MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday skipped the Miss Universe coronation, his administration's first international showcase to lure foreign tourists.

Duterte's partner Honeylet Avanceña, a former beauty queen, was spotted instead in the special seats assigned to Duterte.

Avanceña was seated beside Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao, a Duterte ally.

Vice President Leni Robredo meanwhile also missed the coronation.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Tulgo-Teo earlier said pageant organizers invited Duterte, Robredo, all Cabinet officials, ambassadors and senators to the Miss Universe coronation at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay.