PH envoy to US backs Marcos’ foreign trips: It’s only way to tell world who we are

MANILA, Philippines — “It’s really the only way to tell the world that we’re on business,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said on Friday as he defended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s string of foreign trips less than a year since assuming the presidency.

Romualdez said Marcos, who has vowed to travel less this year, is “trying to be sensitive” to criticisms of his many travels abroad.

READ: Bongbong Marcos to have fewer foreign trips in 2023

Romualdez, however, argued that these presidential trips are important.

“It’s different when a head of state meets or gets to go to a country rather than a Cabinet Secretary or representative. I’ve seen it so many times.  It’s so effective. It’s really the only way to tell the world that we’re on business. [Or] who we are. It’s important,” Romualdez said over ABS-CBN News’ Headstart.

He recalled witnessing how effective it is when a chief executive travels to other countries when he joined former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III during their business trips abroad.

Marcos is set to fly to Indonesia in May for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit. This, after he and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos attend the coronation of King Charles in the United Kingdom.

READ: Bongbong Marcos, First Lady to attend King Charles III’s coronation in London

 

Romualdez particularly noted that Marcos’ Asean trip is of importance.

In addition, Romualdez said there are “many other obligations [Marcos] has to do on a personal basis because it’s good for our relationship with other countries.”

Romualdez said he had even advised Marcos to visit the United States three times a year, saying there is “so much potential” in doing so. But he quickly took note that it was not possible.

Earlier, Romualdez said Marcos will visit the United States at least two times in 2023.

READ: Marcos Jr. to visit US at least twice in 2023 —envoy

A slew of criticisms had been thrown at Marcos for his many foreign travels, but he has since defended himself as he argued that the Philippines would need to introduce itself to potential investors abroad. 

READ: Marcos defends foreign trips: ‘Kailangan natin magpakilala’

His ninth and latest official overseas trip since assuming the presidency was for a five-day state visit to Japan last February.