Presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (File photo)
MANILA – Presumptive president Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is in Australia for a "much-needed rest and vacation" after the recently concluded national elections, his spokesperson said on Tuesday.
In a press conference, spokesperson Atty. Vic Rodriguez said Marcos is expected to come back to the Philippines from his "private trip" with his family on Thursday, taking just a total of three and a half days in Australia.
"I think he just wants to enjoy the remaining few days before he assumes officially as the President of the Republic," Rodriguez said. "Pinipilit na lang niyang i-enjoy momentarily ang kanyang pagiging citizen Bongbong (He is just trying to momentarily enjoy his days as citizen Bongbong)," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez noted that Marcos has spoken with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison over the phone and received a congratulatory message from him for winning the presidential election.
"Kaniya ring ipinahatid ang kaniyang pagbati sa sambayanang Pilipino dahil payapa nating nairaos ang pinaka demokratikong uri ng pamimili ng leader (He [Morrison] also sent his congratulatory message to the Filipino people for the peaceful holding of the most democratic way to choose a leader)," Rodriguez said.
According to a Reuters report, the next Philippine president was greeted by some protesters gathering outside an address in central Melbourne.
Rodriguez said the protest made by Filipinos in Australia was embarrassing.
"Hindi ugali ng Pilipino na hiyain at pahiyain ang kapwa Pilipino sa hindi naman niya bansa (It is not a Filipino trait to shame fellow Filipinos in a country that is not their own)," he said. (PNA)
