PRESIDENT Bongbong Marcos has been officially invited by U.S. President Donald Trump for a meeting at the White House, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said this makes Marcos the first ASEAN leader to receive such an invitation under Trump’s new term.
“It is President Trump who invited President Marcos to this meeting. He will be staying in the presidential guest house—so that means something,” said Lazaro in a media briefing.
The meeting, which Lazaro said would be considered an official visit, comes amid growing concerns over a new 20% tariff imposed by the United States on Philippine export products.
However, Lazaro declined to confirm whether the matter would be resolved during the meeting.
“Within the purview of DTI, I cannot respond to your questions. Just give us time, there are other agencies concerned,” she said.
Lazaro emphasized that discussions are still ongoing and inter-agency consultations are underway, especially with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which has jurisdiction over trade matters.
Last week, Malacañang confirmed Marcos’ upcoming Washington trip set for July 20-22, though topics to be discussed have yet to be finalized.