MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday brushed aside criticism over President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s possible attendance at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, saying the high-profile race could provide another venue for the President to engage foreign leaders and business executives while pursuing investments and trade opportunities for the Philippines.
Marcos is in Singapore for a five-day working visit focused on strengthening economic ties and attracting investments, with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expected to host him at a dinner held alongside the motorsport event.
Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro stressed that Marcos’ economic agenda remains the primary purpose of the trip despite criticism over his potential appearance at the Grand Prix amid economic concerns at home.
“Kasi ang punta po talaga ng Pangulo rito ay para sa mga investments, sa mga trade na maaaring mahikayat pa ng Pangulo para sa ating bansa, ‘yun naman talaga yung una niyang activity,” Castro said.
She said attending an event during the weekend would not necessarily interfere with Marcos’ official duties.
“So kung magkakaroon man ng ganyang klaseng event, hindi naman siguro masama kung linggo naman,” she added.
Castro did not confirm whether Marcos would attend the race but said turning down an invitation from a foreign leader could carry diplomatic implications.
“Kasi kung ang isang lider ang mag-i-invite sa Pangulo, mas hindi magandang tingnan kung tatanggihan niya ito,” Castro stated.
The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said no formal bilateral meetings with other Singaporean leaders were scheduled aside from Marcos’ engagement with Wong.
The DFA, however, said the Grand Prix could give Marcos opportunities to interact informally with foreign leaders, senior government officials and business executives attending the event.
The Singapore Grand Prix draws prominent political and business figures from around the world, providing a potential setting for informal diplomatic exchanges and investment discussions.
The latest trip is Marcos’ fifth visit to Singapore since assuming the presidency and his 47th foreign trip.
It would also not be his first appearance at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Marcos attended the race in 2022 during an unannounced trip that drew criticism as the Philippines dealt with the aftermath of Super Typhoon Karding. He returned to the event in 2023 following an invitation from then-Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Marcos has previously defended his attendance at the Singapore Grand Prix as an opportunity to promote the Philippines as an investment destination, citing the presence of international business and government leaders at the event./PN
