Marcos to Boost Economic, Security Ties in Singapore Visit

MANILA, Philippines — Bilateral relations, regional stability and investments will be the main agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s three-day working visit to Singapore, which comes as the impeachment trial of his ally-turned-arch critic Vice President Sara Duterte continues. Marcos left for Singapore at 5:27 p.m. yesterday without delivering a departure statement, kicking off his 45th foreign trip since becoming President. Malacañang previously said there was no need for Marcos to closely monitor the trial of the Vice President because he had a lot of work to do. During the visit, Marcos will have a courtesy call on Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to tackle ways to strengthen partnerships in trade and investment, health and environment as well as their commitment to regional stability and the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The Philippines is the chair of the regional bloc this year, while Singapore will assume the role in 2027. Marcos is also scheduled to participate in the Milken Institute’s private roundtable discussion at the Philippine embassy as well as engage with business leaders. In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office said the event “forms part of the government’s efforts to attract more investments following the Philippines’ recognition as an upper-middle-income country.” First Lady Liza Marcos will also speak before the Global Economic Cooperation East Summit. She was invited to the forum by the Future Economic Cooperation Council, an economic platform based in India that seeks to promote global strategic economic cooperation. In Marcos’ absence, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III and Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino will serve as caretakers of the government.