First Lady not joining US trip

For the first time since he assumed leadership in 2022, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will not join her husband, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on his scheduled trip to the United States from 20 to 22 July.

This was confirmed by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro in a brief response: “Hindi po (No).”

Castro did not elaborate on the reasons for Mrs. Marcos' absence from the President’s upcoming visit.

However, she mentioned that the President has chosen the delegation that will accompany him on the trip.

“Yes, he will have some people with him, but I don't know if I have the authority to give details on that. Maybe it would be better if we asked the DFA about that,” she said in a radio interview.

Castro added that the country’s economic team will also be joining Marcos during his visit.

While the government has yet to officially disclose the agenda for the President’s upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, expected discussions include the 20 percent tariff imposed on Philippine goods, the country’s proposal for a free trade agreement with the U.S., national security concerns, the West Philippine Sea, and the strengthening of bilateral ties between Manila and Washington.

Since assuming the presidency in 2022, the First Lady has accompanied Marcos to the U.S. four times.