MANILA, Philippines – Press Secretary Rose Beatrix ‘Trixie’ Cruz-Angeles assured the public that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent Singapore trip was ‘productive’.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr was spotted at Singapore F1 Grand Prix with other officials and world leaders | Photo Courtesy: Facebook/ Tan See Leng

Cruz-Angeles shared on Monday, October 3, a Facebook post of Singapore Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng when he met Marcos at the Singapore Grand Prix over the weekend.

According to the post, Tan met Marcos at the race along with other Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. and other officials from Cambodia and Saudi Arabia. He added that they were able to strengthen relations and discuss collaboration while at the sidelines of the race.

He wrote, “Happy to meet various Heads of States, Ministers and foreign dignitaries including Bongbong Marcos… to affirm our bilateral economic relationships and strengthen collaborations in energy cooperation as well as exchange views on manpower policies on the sidelines of the race.”

Cruz-Angeles said the President’s Singapore visit was ‘productive’ as he encouraged investments in the Philippines. She explained, “Pinagpatibay niya ang mga pangunahing usapan sa huling state visit sa bayan na ito, at pinatuloy ang paghihikayat sa pag invest sa bayang Pilipinas.”

When one netizen commented that Marcos should prioritize nuclear energy, the Palace secretary assured that they are already discussing it. She said they are now taking the first step in creating a framework for the promotion of nuclear energy in the country.

She explained, “Priority po ang enerhiya, kung kaya’t hinikayat na ni Kalihim Popo Lotilla ang paggawa ng regulatory framework para sa nuclear energy. Yun po ang unang step at gingawa na po.”

Amid concerns that the President’s attendance in the Grand Prix was unnecessary and happened just a week after Super Typhoon ‘Karding’ hit Luzon, House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Mannix Dalipe defended Marcos saying it was “unavoidable.”

Dalipe said the invitation was for the leaders of Southeast Asian nations and was a great opportunity for them to socialize.

“I think its so happened that it is an event for them to get together and socialize. Let’s face it, right now. If you look at the political landscape of Southeast Asia, si President BBM ang ating kuwan eh, siya ang tumatayong leader for Southeast Asia,” he explained.

— Sally, The Summit Express