BANGKOK, Thailand—Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is giving President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. advice as far as his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC Summit is concerned.
This was disclosed by House Speaker Martin Romualdez during an interview with the media ahead of Marcos' bilateral meeting with Xi on Thursday, Nov. 17.
"PGMA is definitely a big asset. Her reputation, her track record needs no introduction to anyone. Her advice, her counsel to President Marcos right now is valuable," Romualdez said.
The House Speaker, however, cannot divulge the advice Arroyo gives the President, saying he is not privy to any of it.
"I am not privy to any specific advice but PGMA has always been a good counsel to President Marcos. President Marcos respects PGMA a lot for her vast experience," he said.
Arroyo attended the APEC CEO Summit on Thursday where Marcos delivered a 12-minute speech and participated in a forum with other leaders, discussing the global economy and the future of APEC.
Meanwhile, Romualdez expressed that the Marcos administration is "very confident" over the first meeting of Marcos and Xi.
"We're very confident that this first meeting will be a warm meeting," Romualdez said.
He further said that the two leaders will discuss economic issues, trade, and investments, among others.
Marcos would also bring up the issue on the West Philippine Sea.
READ MORE: Marcos, Xi Jinping to meet at APEC sidelines; West PH Sea issue up
Asked about former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's role on President Marcos' participation in the APEC Summit, Romualdez said "her advice to President Marcos right now is valuable." @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/HdivpPzhwD
— Betheena Unite (@MB_unite) November 17, 2022