Bongbong Marcos flying to Tokyo and Dubai in December

MUTUAL INTERESTS Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Ferdinand  “Bongbong” Marcos attend a bilateral meeting in Malacañang on November 3, 2023, wherein they agreed to start talks on a reciprocal access agreement between Armed Forces of the Philippines and Japan. (Photo from PPA pool)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is headed to United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Japan in December.

He is expected to sign the 2024 national budget before his trip to Tokyo.

During a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno was asked if the President will be able to sign the budget before he flies to Japan.

“Malamang, kasi I was talking to the liaison officer. Na-approve na kasi iyong budget eh, so they will go into conference. Conference committee by December 1st,” Diokno gave the schedule.

(It’s likely, because I was talking with the  liaison officer. The budget is approved, so they will go into conference. Conference committee by December 1st.)

“And so, there is enough time bago umalis si President,” said the Finance chief.

(And so, there is enough time before the President leaves.)

The Chief Executive will attend the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.

As for Diokno, he will be part of a delegation to Dubai in UAE for the 2023 United Nations climate change conference.

Marcos was invited to Dubai back in June.