President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had no time to meet his countrymen during his visit to the United Arab Emirates.
According to the report published by Khaleej Times, Marcos had already asked the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in UAE that his trip was so short that he couldn’t find a schedule to meet them.
Instead of meeting the OFWs contributing billions of pesos to the economy, Marcos would instead meet President Sheikh Mohamed in Abu Dhabi and other officials.
“The President begs the understanding of our kababayans (countrymen) in the UAE who have hoped for time with him, as he has decided to immediately fly back to Manila to resume his personal supervision and inspection of the relief and reconstruction activities in communities devastated by six successive typhoons,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.
They were set to sign several agreements to improve the relations between the UAE and the Philippines.
OFWs were not happy that the President himself couldn’t find time to meet them.
“What kind of leader is this guy? He won’t meet his fellow countrymen in this foreign land? His countrymen who contributed big time because of remittances? No message of empower of emplowerment? Oh come on, boost our morale! Meet your kabayans, Mr. president. This isn’t about you after all, it’s all about us OFWs why you are going to have talks with the UAE government. Nandito ka dahil kami ang manpower ng bansang Pilipinas sa bansang ito. Haata na wala kang paki alam sa amin OFWs mas importante sa’yo ang agreement wherein makaka benefit ka din. Para ano ba naman ang isang oras halimbawa. I-entertain mo naman kami. Isama mo naman kami sa pinagkaka-abalahan mo,” netizen Nale said.
However, some OFWs expressed disinterest in meeting Marcos.
As of writing, Malacanang has yet to give a statement if they’re planning to change their plans during Marcos’ trip to UAE.