President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s planned appearance at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is being defended by Malacañang as another opportunity to meet potential investors and business leaders.
Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Macaraig said Marcos Jr. was invited to the race by Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and would not have to pay for his ticket.
“Imbitasyon yun ni Prime Minister Lawrence Wong so… Halos wala tayo gastos diyan. Wala siyang babayaran na ticket or kung ano man ‘yung sinasabi… Ako rin imbitado ako pero wala rin akong babayaran,” Macaraig said Wednesday.
Macaraig said the President’s presence at the event could open opportunities for the Philippines.
“Mahirap na mawala tayo doon kasi matatalo tayo sa ibang nandoon,” he said.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos Jr.’s attendance at the race should also be viewed in the context of his efforts to attract investments to the country.
She pointed out that business deals can sometimes develop through informal interactions among businesspeople.
“Alam natin na minsan ang mga negosyante, nakakabuo ng magandang rapport, nakakabuo ng magandang pagkakaibigan sa paglalaro ng golf at doon minsan nabubuo ang magagandang kontrata,” Castro said.
She said attending the race does not mean the President is setting aside his official work of promoting the Philippines to investors.
“Hindi ibig sabihin kung pupunta man at manonood ang Pangulo sa imbitasyon ng gobyerno sa F1 Grand Prix, hindi nangahuhulugan na talikuran ang kanyang trabaho sa paghikayat sa mga investor na mamumuhunan sa bansa,” she said.IMT
