Malacañang and the Philippine Embassy in Singapore clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not have to pay for a ticket if he attends the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Singapore.
The government also said taxpayer money will not be used for the president’s ticket to the event.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos’ possible attendance at the race would not mean he is neglecting his duties to attract foreign investors to the Philippines.
Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Antonio Macaraig said Marcos’ attendance at the F1 event and an accompanying dinner came through a personal invitation from Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Because of the invitation, Macaraig said the government will not incur expenses for the ticket.
The clarification came after criticism on social media over the possible use of public funds for Marcos’ attendance at the race.
Macaraig also said the F1 Grand Prix could provide an opportunity for Marcos to interact with other world leaders and business executives.
Marcos is in Singapore for a five-day working visit. His schedule includes attendance at the Forbes Global CEO Conference, a meeting with Wong and a visit to the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute.
The F1 Grand Prix is among the activities included during the president’s stay in Singapore.
The Palace and Philippine Embassy statements focused on the ticket and clarified that the government would not spend taxpayer funds on admission to the race.
Marcos’ Singapore visit includes engagements with government and business leaders as part of his working visit.
