Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will attend the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix following an invitation from Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Malacañang confirmed Friday, October 9.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos would attend the event as part of his working visit to Singapore, where he has been meeting with government officials and business leaders.
“Dadalo po siya,” Castro said when asked whether the president would accept the invitation to the Grand Prix.
[Translation: He will attend.]
Castro said the president considers major international events opportunities to hold face-to-face discussions with foreign leaders and potential investors.
“Ang mga transaksyon, mas magandang nagkakaroon ng face-to-face meetings at tulad ng mga isinasagawa sa ganitong event,” she said, citing the president’s preference for personal interactions.
[Translation: Transactions are better conducted through face-to-face meetings, such as those held during events like this.]
The Palace official said Marcos had previously recalled meeting prominent figures, including Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, during similar gatherings.
Castro also defended the president’s attendance amid questions about the appropriateness of joining a sporting event during an official working visit.
She said Marcos remains focused on his responsibilities even when attending activities that may be considered personal.
“Sa lahat naman po na inaatendan ng pangulo kahit na ito po ay para sa personal niyang mga event, hindi maiiwasan na mayroong pipintas, may magiging negatibo,” Castro said.
[Translation: Whatever event the president attends, even personal ones, criticism and negative reactions are inevitable.]
Castro maintained that Marcos continues to perform his duties regardless of the nature of his engagements.
“Hindi nawawala kahit isang minuto, kahit isang segundo ang pagiging pangulo ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” she said.
[Translation: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. does not cease being president, even for a minute or a second.]
The palace also emphasized that the invitation came directly from Wong.
“Invited po kasi siya ni Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. At sa ganoong klaseng mga imbitasyon, hindi lang sila manunood. Mas marami dito ang usapan,” Castro explained.
[Translation: He was invited by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. At events like these, they do more than watch. There are many discussions.]
Castro said such gatherings could open opportunities for negotiations and investment discussions, particularly with business executives and international leaders attending the event.
Marcos is in Singapore for a working visit that includes participation in the Forbes Global CEO Conference and meetings aimed at strengthening investment and economic cooperation.
