President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. remembered his late father and namesake when he discussed with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei the strong bond between the two countries that was nurtured during the past Marcos administration, Malacañang said on Sunday, Nov. 13.
In a statement, the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) said Marcos talked about his father’s role in shaping the relationship between the two countries during the bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits and Related Summits.
He said he was a witness to how this bond came to be since he once accompanied Marcos Sr. to Brunei and met the Sultan.
“We have been witnesses to this growth in our relationship. From the early days when my father came to visit you and I was able to accompany him,” the Chief Executive told Bolkiah during the meeting.
“I remember I just happened to be in Manila for a vacation from studying in the UK. And my father said, ‘You have to come.’ And I was lucky enough to be able to accompany him and enjoy the hospitality of Your Majesty," Marcos added.
In response, Sultan Bolkiah also recognized the strong fraternal ties that bind Brunei and the Philippines and that these have become more robust through the years.
He even recalled hosting the late Philippine president in Brunei during the celebration of the country’s first National Day in February 1984.
“Since then, our relations have continued to grow stronger. There’s an active exchange between us at all levels,” the Sultan said.
He also took time to commend the Filipino community in the sultanate and how it has contributed to Brunei’s progress.
“There is a large Filipino community in Brunei. They are an important part of our growth and invaluable contribution to our socioeconomic development,” Bolkiah shared.
He expressed hope that more Filipinos come to Brunei for a visit with the availability of more direct flights between the two countries.