**APEC Summit: Marcos Notably Absent**

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Post on Nov 08, 2024

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Marcos Skips APEC Summit: What's the Deal?

So, the big APEC summit happened in San Francisco, and guess who wasn't there? That's right, our very own President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. skipped the whole thing. Now, this isn't exactly a huge surprise. Remember how Marcos wasn't thrilled with the US's "human rights" talk last year? He’s made it pretty clear he doesn't love being lectured on this stuff.

But let's dig a little deeper, shall we? This wasn't just about dodging awkward conversations. The Philippines is actually a founding member of APEC, and Marcos skipping the summit kinda feels like snubbing the whole thing.

The Official Story

The government's official explanation? Marcos had a "pre-existing commitment" which meant he couldn't make it. Okay, but what commitment could be more important than attending a major international summit, especially one happening in the US?

Reading Between the Lines

Now, this is where things get juicy. Some folks are saying it's all about politics. Marcos might be worried about facing criticism from other leaders about his government's handling of issues like human rights and the war on drugs. It's not exactly a secret that some folks in the international community aren't thrilled with how things are going in the Philippines right now.

What Happens Now?

Time will tell if Marcos' absence will have any real impact on the Philippines' role in APEC. But one thing's for sure, it definitely raises some eyebrows. It's not exactly a great look for a country that's trying to strengthen its international standing.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, Marcos' decision to skip APEC has left a lot of people wondering what's really going on. Was it a strategic move to avoid uncomfortable questions? Or was it simply a matter of scheduling? Whatever the reason, it's a reminder that the Philippines' relationship with the international community is complex and constantly evolving.