To Indonesia, Singapore

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. left Manila on Sunday morning for his state visits to Indonesia and Singapore, his first foreign trips since assuming office.

Marcos and his delegation took a chartered flight and left the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City at around 10:13 a.m.

His delegation includes Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla.

Marcos’ first stop will be Indonesia, from Sept. 4 to 6, upon the invitation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

In his pre-departure speech, he said he will be meeting Widodo for the first time to discuss the bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Indonesia and the changing global geopolitical environment.

He said he will be witnessing the signing of several agreements between the two countries covering important areas of cooperation such as defense and security, the creative economy and culture.

“Our foreign ministers look forward to signing the Philippines-Indonesia Plan of Action for the next five years, which commits our two countries to projects and activities covering the full range of our bilateral ties,” he said in his speech.

Marcos said he will also be visiting Singapore from Sept. 6 to 7, upon the invitation of Singaporean President Halimah Yacob.

He said he will be meeting both Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to renew their shared commitment “to deepen bilateral relations, explore options for advancing our economic ties, and discuss regional and global issues.”

He will also be witnessing the signing of several agreements with Lee.

“Singapore has been the Philippines’ top trading partner in Asean and the top source of approved investments in 2021. Our economic cooperation with Singapore has grown by leaps and bounds for the past half-century, and more opportunities are just waiting to be tapped by both sides,” he said.

Despite having a full set of meetings, Marcos said he will make time to meet with “kababayans” in Indonesia and Singapore.

“I look forward to sharing with them our commitment and plans for enhancing the government’s efforts to protect the rights and ensure the welfare of our overseas Filipinos and convey my appreciation for their support and valuable contributions to our country,” he added.

Marcos said both state visits are meant to harness the Philippines’ potential of its vibrant trade and investment relations.

He said an economic briefing, business forums, and meetings will also be held to attract more investments and buyers for exports to accelerate the country’s post-pandemic growth.

In a press briefing on Friday, Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the South China Sea and key regional issues would be tackled by Marcos and his counterparts in Indonesia and Singapore.

Marcos designates VP Sara as OIC

Marcos Jr. has designated Vice President Sara Duterte as officer-in-charge (OIC) while he is away for his state visits to Indonesia and Singapore from Sept. 4 to 7.

Executive Secretary Victor “Vic” Rodriguez signed Special Order No. 75 designating Duterte as OIC to “take care of the day-to-day operations in the Office of the President.”

Under the order, Duterte was also assigned to “oversee the general administration of the Executive Department.”

If necessary, Duterte may “act for and on behalf of the President, except on matters that the President is required by the Constitution to act in person, during this time that the President is outside the Republic of the Philippines from 04-07 September 2022.”

All departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the government must assist Duterte in the discharge of her functions as OIC.

The order also states that “all acts of the Vice President for and on behalf of the President pursuant to this Order shall be deemed acts of the President unless disapproved or reprobated by the President.”

Marcos will be in Indonesia from Sept. 4 to 6, upon the invitation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Philippine News Agency