Presumptive president Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. is currently in Australia for a private family trip and a "much-needed rest" after the grueling campaign and elections, his spokesman announced Tuesday.
In a press briefing, Atty. Vic Rodriguez confirmed that Marcos and his family have made the private trip abroad and will be back on Thursday, May 19.
"It’s more of a private visit for a much-needed rest and vacation of president-elect Bongbong. And I think he will just want to enjoy his remaining few days before he assumes officially his office as the president of the Republic," he said.
A Reuters report citing the Age newspaper said Marcos' trip to Australia was greeted with protest.
A small group of Filipino protesters gathered outside an address in central Melbourne carrying placards that read, "Tax evaders not welcome here" and "Tyrants not welcome here".
However, according to Rodriguez, the Australian government has the authority to say whether Marcos is welcome in their country.
He also described the protest made by Filipinos in Australia as shameful.
"Nakakahiya. Nakakahiya bilang Pilipino, nakakahiya... hindi ugali ng Pilipino na hiyain at pahiyain ang kapwa niya Pilipino sa isang bansa na hindi naman Pilipinas," Rodriguez said.
"I think the best authority or person to say whether he is welcome or not are the Australian government, not fellow Filipinos na nandoon lang din dahil punong-puno ng poot at pait ang puso. Uulitin ko wala sa kaugalian nating mga Pilipino ang hiyain ang kapwa mo Pilipino sa ibang bansa," he added.
In the same briefing, Rodriguez also confirmed reports that Marcos spoke with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who congratulated him in the recent elections.
“[H]e affirmed ‘yung kanilang gobyernong patuloy na mainit at close interaction at pakikipag-ugnayan sa pamahalaan ng Republika ng Pilipinas,” he said.
