Presumptive President Bongbong Marcos Jr. is currently in Australia for a much needed rest after weeks of gruelling campaigning; this was confirmed by his spokesperson, Atty. Vic Rodriguez, on Tuesday.
Rodriguez said Marcos is just trying to momentarily enjoy being a ‘citizen Bongbong’ for a few days but assured the incoming president will be back by Thursday, May 19.
“In total, he is just out for 3 and a half days for his much needed vacation. He will just want to enjoy the remaining few days before he assumes officially his office as the President of the Republic,” said Rodriguez.
This was also confirmed by Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson but clarified they had no knowledge of Marcos’ itinerary.
“He’s on a private trip. As far as I’m aware, there’s no accommodation sorted. We never had any part in there,” the envoy clarified.
Pinoy group in Melbourne protests Marcos’ presence
A handful of members of the Filipino community in Melbourne reportedly gathered in front of the apartment complex where Marcos’ family is believed to be staying to protest his presence there.
The 64-year-old presumptive president is said to have flown to Australia in time for his youngest son’s enrolment at the University of Melbourne.
Most of the protesters are members of the progressive group Anakbayan Melbourne who carried placards alluding to the abuses of the martial law regime and Marcos family’s unpaid estate tax.
“Marcos Jr is in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia. We are out here waiting for him to tell him that he’s not welcome here. Join us!” Anakbayan wrote on Twitter.
Shameful, says Rodriguez
Reacting to said reports, Atty. Rodriguez chided the protesters for embarrassing the presumptive president while in another country.
“Nakakahiya. Bilang Pilipino nakakahiya. Hindi ugali ng Pilipino na hiyain at pahiyain ang kapwa Pilipino sa hindi naman niya bansa,” the lawyer told reporters in an interview.
Rodriguez maintained the best authority to say whether or not Marcos is welcome in Australia is no less than the Australian government itself.
He also shared that Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison already called Marcos Jr. to convey his congratulatory message for the peaceful conduct and the integrity of the last election.