President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended his frequent travels abroad amidst criticisms from former President Rodrigo Duterte, who suggested that Marcos’s trips were for leisure. In a press conference in Berlin, Germany, Marcos Jr. presented his schedule to the media, challenging the notion of leisure in his travels.
“Ito ‘yung schedule ko oh. San ‘yung pasyal? This is my schedule for today. Where’s the pasyal, no. Wala, you know, kasama ko diyan, kasama niyo kami. We don’t make pasyal,” Marcos stated, emphasizing his commitment to his duties even while abroad.
Despite being in locations familiar to him, Marcos Jr. highlighted that his visits are purely for official purposes. “Even in the places that I know where I have spent a lot of time with, hindi ho, hindi ko na napupuntahan ‘yung mga dati kong pinupuntahan because we’re here to do this,” he said.
The president’s remarks came during his three-day working visit to Germany, marking his 24th foreign trip since assuming office. Following Germany, Marcos Jr. plans to visit the Czech Republic for a state visit until March 15th.
Regarding former President Duterte’s comments on charter change and the extension of Marcos Jr.’s term, the current president chose not to engage directly. “Nako-confuse kasi ako kay PRDD, papalit-palit eh. So I’ll have to examine it further really kasi very kulang ang naririning ang balita, ang kaniyang mga remarks,” Marcos Jr. explained, indicating a need for clarity on Duterte’s shifting statements.
Additionally, Marcos Jr. extended an early birthday greeting to Duterte, expressing respect for the former president and separating his professional responsibilities from personal feelings.
“Wish him a happy birthday, and many happy returns. At talaga namang that is, alam mo naman tayong mga Pilipino ginagalang natin ‘yung mga very important occasions na ganiyan,” Marcos Jr. said.
