Malacanang defends Marcos over F1 Grand Prix criticism

SINGAPORE – As President Marcos faces criticism over his possible attendance to the Formula 1 Grand Prix here, Malacañang defended his invitation to the luxurious sporting event, saying good deals are forged not just in formal meetings, but also in gatherings of business leaders.

Marcos is scheduled to arrive here Wednesday night for a five-day working visit aimed at boosting the ties between the Philippines and Singapore and attracting investments. Among his possible events is a dinner hosted by Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on the sidelines of this year's Formula One Singapore Grand Prix. 

Although officials have yet to confirm Marcos' attendance to the racing event, lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc described his possible participation as "insensitive" and "shameless" as ordinary Filipinos are burdened by rising prices. 

Speaking to reporters here, Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos won't abandon his duty of luring investors to the Philippines should he decide to attend the motorcycle racing event. 

"Let us remember, having good relations and expressing goodwill to gain the trust of investors and other leaders do not just happen on the long table...We know that sometimes, businessmen create good rapport, good friendships by playing golf. Sometimes, they forge food contracts there," Castro said. 

Castro said critics tend to be fixated on the possible activities of Marcos here, rather than his scheduled events. The President is scheduled to participate in the  

24th Forbes Global CEO Conference and to visit the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute this week.

"They should not focus on whether the President would attend the F1 Grand Prix, They should focus on what the President will do here for the nation and for our countrymen," the Palace press officer said. 

Marcos watched the F1 race here in 2022 and in 2023. 

'Almost no expense' 

In the same media briefing, Philippine ambassador to Singapore Medardo Macaraig said the government would incur almost no expense if Marcos decides to watch the prestigious racing event.

"That was an invitation by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Of course, we will incur almost no expense there,"  the envoy said

"We went here because of Forbes and the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute, that is more important. We will incur costs there. But with regard to the invitation...of course, he would not pay for the ticket."

Macaraig shared that he was also invited to the event by the Temasek Foundation and would not spend anything for a ticket.

"But I will also attend because, as stated earlier, some opportunities happen because of those things. Just simply being there already presents opportunities and it will be hard not to be there because those who will go there will outdo us," he said in Filipino.

"If we are not there, they might give such opportunities to other countries."  

According to Castro, there is nothing wrong with Marcos watching the F1 race since it would fall on a Sunday, a non-working day.

"If a leader invites the president, it won't look good if he rejects it. We know that the president does not fall short in working and in acting on the issues that our country is facing," she added.