The Department of Foreign Affairs defended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s foreign trips amid criticism over government spending, saying the visits should not be assessed solely based on their costs.
Marcos is scheduled for a working visit to Singapore from Oct. 7 to Oct. 11.
According to the DFA, the benefits of presidential foreign visits to the Philippines and its people should also be considered when assessing the trips.
The agency said the visits can help attract investments and expand trade, which could contribute to jobs and livelihoods in the country.
The DFA also said the trips can strengthen the Philippines’ relationships with foreign governments and business leaders. These connections, it said, are important to the country’s security and economic partnerships.
During Marcos’ participation in the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore, the president will have an opportunity to present investment opportunities in the Philippines to more than 470 business leaders from Singapore and other parts of the world, according to the DFA.
The agency also cited developments from previous engagements between the Philippines and Singapore.
Among them was the expansion of Singapore-based technology company NCS through a partnership with Globe. The DFA also cited the continued development of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres in the Philippines.
Another development mentioned by the agency was the investment of ABC Impact in AC Health.
The DFA’s defense comes as Marcos proceeds with another foreign engagement in Singapore. The agency maintained that the value of presidential trips should be considered alongside their expenses, particularly their potential impact on investments, trade, employment, security and economic partnerships.
The DFA cited these areas as among the potential benefits of the president’s international engagements.
