Lawmakers back Marcos’ overseas trips, cite gains

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz take questions from the media during their joint press conference at The Chancellery, one of the highlights of the Philippine leader’s working visit to Germany on Tuesday. (PPA Pool)

MANILA, Philippines — Several lawmakers on Thursday defended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s overseas trips, citing that engagement with other nations is a “need.”

In a press conference at the House of Representatives, House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin and Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Ray Reyes both said that Marcos is just doing his job of strengthening diplomatic ties and attracting foreign investors for the country.

“Ang globalization ngayon is not a desire (Today’s globalization is not a desire). It’s already a need,” Garin said.

She added that “if you don’t liaise and talk to other countries, if you don’t partner and foster relationship with other countries, mas lalo kang maiiwan [you’ll be even left behind).”

Garin’s pronouncement came after former president Rodrigo Duterte’s remarks alleging Marcos’ foreign travels were for leisure only.

Marcos, who is currently in the Czech Republic, denied the allegation.

“This is my schedule. Where’s the time for leisure? It’s my schedule for today. Where’s the ‘pasyal’? None,” Marcos told reporters in Germany on Wednesday, showing members of the press a copy of his schedule for the trip.

“You were with me. We don’t go sight-seeing. Even in the places that I spent a lot of time in, I have not been able to visit the places that I used to visit. Because we’re here to work,” added.

For his part, Reyes called Marcos the country’s “chief salesman.”

“Our President serves as our chief salesman. He is the face of the country and should demonstrate that we are ready to engage and coordinate with our [other] countries,” Reyes said.

“We support him to ensure that our product, which is the Philippines, is presented in the best possible light,” he added.