Malacañang has clarified the reason behind President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s absence from the ASEAN leaders’ photo opportunity during the 28th ASEAN–Japan Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
In a press briefing held by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, October 27, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro addressed the issue that had been circulating online.
“Mukhang hindi nabibigyan ng tamang kuwento, konteksto ‘yong nangyari,” Castro said, emphasizing that the situation had been misunderstood.
According to Castro, PCO Secretary Dave Gomez explained that the President was still attending an extended bilateral meeting with the United Nations at the time the ASEAN leaders’ photo was taken.
“Sinabi din po ni Sec. Dave Gomez na nangyari po ‘yan [‘yong kanilang photo opportunity] ay nasa extended bilateral pa po ang Pangulo with the UN [United Nation],” she clarified.
Castro added that the President did attend the ASEAN–Japan Summit later that day, which included Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi.
The clarification came after netizens noticed the President’s absence in the official photo posted by ASEAN on its Facebook page last October 26, which showed ASEAN leaders with Prime Minister Takaichi.
The Palace reiterated that President Marcos was fully engaged in official meetings throughout the summit, underscoring his active participation in strengthening ties with ASEAN partners and Japan.