Marcos No-Shows APEC Summit in Manila - What's the Deal?
You'd think the President of the Philippines would be front and center at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, especially when it's being held in his country! Well, not so fast. President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. skipped the big event, leaving the rest of the world scratching their heads.
So, what gives?
The official reason: Marcos was battling a bad case of the flu. Yeah, the flu. It's not exactly a groundbreaking reason, but it's what we got. But folks are speculating about the real reason, especially since the Summit was in Manila.
Some say Marcos was avoiding a potential confrontation with US Vice President Kamala Harris. You see, the two haven't exactly seen eye-to-eye on human rights issues, and having a chat in person could've gotten a little awkward. Others think he just wasn't feeling the pressure of hosting the Summit and decided to sit this one out.
Whatever the reason, Marcos' absence has sparked a lot of debate. Some see it as a sign of weakness, while others say it's no big deal. But it's clear that the President's decision to skip the APEC Summit has left a lot of folks wondering what's really going on.
Why the Big Deal About APEC?
The APEC Summit is a big deal because it's a chance for leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss important issues, like trade, security, and climate change. It's also a chance to network and build relationships.
So, when the President of the host country skips out, it raises eyebrows, and makes people think about the significance of the event, as well as the significance of the leader skipping it.
Is this a Pattern?
Marcos isn't the first president to skip an APEC summit, but it's not exactly a common occurrence. President Duterte skipped the 2017 APEC Summit in Vietnam, citing a busy schedule. But this time around, with the summit being held in the Philippines, it's raised even more questions.
What's Next?
It's still unclear what the long-term impact of Marcos' absence will be. But it's safe to say that his decision will be analyzed and debated for weeks to come. One thing's for sure: this isn't the last we'll hear about the Marcos no-show at the APEC Summit.