Marcos skipping Apec Summit in Peru to focus on disaster response

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.  (INQUIRER.net file photo / Ryan Leagogo)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. will not attend the 2024 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in Peru next week to focus on the government’s response to recent calamities, the Palace announced on Thursday.

Acting Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque will represent Marcos in the event, thus her appointment as special envoy of the President to Apec Leaders’ Week, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cesar Chavez told reporters in a Viber message.

“The designation of Sec. Roque confirms that the President is not attending,” he said.

Roque’s designation was announced on the same day.

Chavez added that Marcos will prioritize domestic concerns, particularly assisting those affected by the recent typhoons.

The APEC Summit is scheduled from November 10 to 16 in Lima, Peru.

Established in 1989, this regional economic forum aims to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific and create greater prosperity for the people of the region.