Marcos’ unannounced Singapore trip ‘productive’

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. made an unannounced trip to Singapore Sunday to reaffirm the country's bilateral relations with the neighboring nation at the sidelines of the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix, according to Malacañang.

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said the trip had been productive.

During the trip, the Chief Executive had the opportunity to meet with Singapore officials and other dignitaries from other nations.

Singapore Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng shared a photo of Marcos with some Singaporean officials at the Marina Bay Street Circuit while watching the race.

Aside from Marcos, Tan said Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., Cambodia Minister Keo Rottanak, Cambodia's Minister of Commerce Pan Sorasak, and Dr. Fahad Bin Abdullah Toons, advisor to the Royal Court, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia graced the race.

"Happy to meet various heads of state, ministers and foreign dignitaries 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," Tan said in his social media post.

Marcos' trip had not been announced nor confirmed by the Malacañang even when photos of the President in the event made rounds online.

Seen with Marcos were his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and son Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos.

Marcos visited Singapore last month to encourage foreign investors to do business in the Philippines and sign various memorandum of agreements.

Trip no big deal

House Majority Leader Manuel Jose "Mannix" Dalipe said Marcos' sudden trip to Singapore is no big deal.

He said invitations were sents to leaders in the Southeast Asian region.

"So I think the government officials of Singapore, to my understanding, were inviting officials from the different parts of Southeast Asia," said the solon after Monday's flag-raising ceremony.

Dalipe, who represents Zamboanga City, said it was not only Marcos who was invited by Singapore for the event but also other Southeast Asian leaders.

"So I think there's nothing wrong with that," Dalipe said.

Roque defends Marcos

Despite being the country's top leader, Marcos has the "right to private life," former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

"It doesn't mean that being president, he won't have a private life."