President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has departed for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, together with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and the Philippine delegation, to participate in the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.
According to a post by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Saturday, October 25, photos showed the President and the First Lady leaving the country for the regional gathering. The trip comes in response to the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Sinimulan na ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, kasama ang Philippine delegation, ang biyahe patungong Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia para sa 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, sa paanyaya ni Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, na may temang ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’” the PCO announced.
The PCO also revealed that President Marcos has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to reduce construction material prices by up to 50%, reallocating the budget surplus to key social services.
“[I]natasan ng Pangulo ang DPWH na bawasan ng hanggang 50% ang presyo ng construction materials upang mailaan ito para sa iba pang mga serbisyo tulad ng kalusugan, edukasyon, at pagkain,” the PCO stated.
In addition, the President highlighted new tax relief measures introduced by the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to support workers and small business owners.
“Ipinahayag din niya ang tax relief measures ng DOF at BIR, kabilang ang pagpapagaan ng tax compliance at pagtaas ng de minimis benefits ceiling upang magbigay-ginhawa sa mga manggagawa at negosyante,” the PCO added.
Marcos’ mission for the Malaysia summit is to reinforce ASEAN Centrality and discuss pressing regional issues affecting the Philippines and its neighbors.
“Makikibahagi si PBBM sa mga pagpupulong ng ASEAN leaders upang pagtibayin ang ASEAN Centrality, talakayin ang mga isyung patungkol sa South China Sea, Myanmar, climate change, at ekonomiya, habang pinagtitibay ang paninindigan ng Pilipinas sa rules-based international order,” the PCO explained.
The summit will also mark two major developments: Timor-Leste’s formal inclusion as a new ASEAN member and Malaysia’s ceremonial handover of the ASEAN Chairship to the Philippines.