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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Garin hits back at 'pasyal' comment, says Marcos foreign trips not a desire but a need

Garin hits back at 'pasyal' comment, says Marcos foreign trips not a desire but a need

Published Mar 15, 2024 03:13 am

At A Glance

  • House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin says globalization is the reason behind President Marcos' trips abroad, and not mere pleasure.

IMG_20240307_183414.jpgIloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin says globalization is the reason behind President Marcos’ trips abroad, and not mere pleasure.

“Ang globalization ngayon (The globalization today) is not a desire. It’s already a need,” Garin said.

“If you don’t liaise and talk to other countries, if you don’t partner and foster relationship with other countries, mas lalo kang maiiwan (you will be left behind),” she underscored.

In a press conference on Thursday, March 14, Garin insisted that these foreign trips were necessary for countries like the Philippines to establish and nurture relationships with other nations.

She gave this remark after a recent tirade by former president Rodrigo Duterte who alleged that President Marcos was merely gallivanting or indulging in leisure during his trips abroad, or in his words, "pasyal nang pasyal".

“I believe maybe it was a joke out of the former President’s mouth or if he was serious maybe it’s a political statement. I think politics should be left behind for the moment,” the former Department of Health (DOH) secretary shared.

“Madali lang kasi magbintang at mahirap na palaging sumasagot ‘yung nakasabak sa trabaho,” she pointed out.

(It's easy to accuse and it's hard for those working to always give an answer.)

Instead of hurling accusations and pointing fingers, Garin said leaders should prioritize the nation’s welfare above political discourse.

“On one side, you will have all the time to criticize the current administration. On the other side naman, itong mga [nasa kasalukuyang] administrasyon kaysa gugulin mo or ubusin mo ‘yung panahon mo para sagutin ito, mas gugustuhin mong magtrabaho na lang ng magtrabaho (those [in the current] administration would rather just work than spend their time answering this),” she explained.

Previously, former president Duterte alleged Marcos of being a drug user and seeking a term extension with the recent legislative movement to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Earlier Thursday, President Marcos arrived in Prague, Czech Republic for a state visit.

Since taking the country’s top seat in 2022, Marcos has visited 17 countries.

Related Tags

Janette Garin FORMER PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE FOREIGN TRIPS President Marcos
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