President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s trip to Washington, D.C., from July 20 to 22, 2025, marks a high-stakes moment for his administration. The visit, which includes a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, aims to strengthen economic ties, negotiate a bilateral trade deal, and address the steep 20% tariff on Filipino goods entering the U.S. Marcos also seeks to reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to its alliance with the U.S. as a force for peace and development in the Asia-Pacific. While these objectives sound promising, the visit raises serious questions about Marcos Jr.’s ability to lead with transparency and competence—qualities his administration has repeatedly struggled to demonstrate.

Marcos Jr.’s stated goals are ambitious: securing a trade deal that benefits both nations, discussing security and defense, and inviting Trump to the 2026 ASEAN Summit in the Philippines. These are critical issues for a country seeking to bolster its economic standing and geopolitical influence. However, the President’s track record casts a long shadow over his lofty rhetoric. Reports indicate that Marcos Jr. has consistently avoided the White House Press Corps during previous visits, including under the Biden administration. Sources suggest this is a deliberate strategy by the Philippine Ambassador to shield him from potentially tough questions, following embarrassing performances at press conferences abroad where he struggled to respond coherently. This raises a troubling question: If Marcos Jr. cannot handle unscripted questions from reporters, how can Filipinos trust him to negotiate complex deals with a seasoned dealmaker like Trump?
Contrast this with his father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., whose eloquence and intellectual sharpness allowed him to navigate international diplomacy with confidence. While Marcos Sr.’s legacy is deeply controversial, his ability to articulate a vision and engage with the global stage is undeniable. Marcos Jr., however, appears to lack this gravitas. His reluctance to face the press suggests either a lack of confidence in his own abilities or a fear of scrutiny that could expose weaknesses in his leadership. For a president representing a nation of over 110 million, this is unacceptable. The Filipino people deserve a leader who can face tough questions head-on, not one who hides behind carefully curated speeches.

The stakes of this visit are immense. A favorable trade deal could alleviate the burden of high tariffs on Filipino goods, boosting the economy and creating opportunities for businesses and workers. Meetings with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio could also strengthen defense ties, critical for the Philippines amid regional tensions. Yet, Marcos Jr.’s apparent aversion to transparency undermines confidence in his ability to deliver. If he cannot articulate his vision to the White House Press Corps, how can he convincingly advocate for the Philippines in closed-door negotiations? The Filipino people have a right to see their president tested in real-time, not shielded from accountability.

Marcos Jr. must step out from behind the curtain. Facing the press is not just a formality; it’s a litmus test of leadership. By dodging tough questions, he risks reinforcing perceptions of incompetence and eroding trust at home and abroad. As he meets with Trump and other U.S. officials, Filipinos will be watching—not just for the outcomes of his discussions, but for proof that their president can rise to the occasion. If Marcos Jr. wants to be taken seriously as a global leader, he must embrace scrutiny, not run from it. The Philippines deserves nothing less.

(TAMBULI NG BAYAN-Ronnie Estrada) #BagongPilipinas #BongbongMarcos #POTUS #Trump #UStarrifs #PhilippineEmbassy #MartinRomualdez #LizaMarcos #AmbBabeRomualdez