Marcos leaves for Asean-Japan summit in Tokyo

President Marcos left the country on Friday afternoon to attend the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-Japan relations, his second trip to the Asian country this year.

The President’s trip to Tokyo is also his 19th trip abroad since assuming office on June 30 last year.

Vice President Sara Duterte will be the government’s caretaker while Mr. Marcos is in Japan until Dec. 18., according to Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil.

In his departure speech, Mr. Marcos said his participation at the summit would be an opportunity “to once again affirm the Philippines’ position on current international issues and advance Philippine interests.”

Mr. Marcos will also attend a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Akasaka Palace or the State Guest House on Saturday. —Nestor Corrales

READ: President Marcos arrives in Tokyo for Asean-Japan summit