Palace: President Marcos to attend F1 race in Singapore
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is attending the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Singapore, a trip the government justifies as an opportunity for high-level business networking. Critics have labeled the move insensitive, citing the ongoing economic hardships faced by many Filipinos.
Why it matters
The trip highlights the ongoing tension between the administration's diplomatic/economic strategy and public perception regarding government spending and priorities.
SINGAPORE - President Marcos is attending the Formula 1 Grand Prix here this weekend, a move that Malaca ang said would allow him to have face-to-face interactions with potential investors, but is assailed by critics who view it as insensitive to Filipinos facing economic hardships.
"He will attend," Palace press officer Claire Castro said at a media briefing yesterday here.
"According to the President, it would be better for transactions if there are face-to-face meetings... The attendees see each other's body language. Most of those who will attend are business executives, world leaders," Castro added.
She said Marcos had seen leaders like the late Lee Kwan Yew and key investors during the Formula 1 race.
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