President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will attend the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in South Korea to secure more investments for the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. His participation comes despite a corruption scandal affecting his administration. The focus remains on advancing economic interests in the region.
The summit will take place in Gyeongju, South Korea, from October 30 to November 2, 2025, under the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow, Connect, Innovate, Prosper.” The Philippines expects to secure more investments from South Korea, DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said at a Malacañang press conference. “(This is an) opportunity for us to get more investments from the Republic of Korea,” she stated.
Marcos’ attendance aims to advance the Philippines’ economic interests, deepen ties with APEC members, and reaffirm commitment to a more open, prosperous, and dynamic Asia-Pacific region amid global changes. South Korea has clarified that a reported P28.8-billion loan suspension over corruption risks is unfounded. “They reassured us of their support for advancing development cooperation with the Philippines,” Escalona noted.
She maintained that ongoing anti-corruption protests will not impact investor confidence. “We do not really see it because what is happening now is really an expression of our democracy... The interest in the Philippines on the economic side continues,” she added.
The two sessions are expected to yield four key outcome documents: the Leaders’ Declaration and statements on artificial intelligence, demographic change, and cultural and creative industries. Besides the main sessions, Marcos will join the Leaders’ Dialogue with the APEC business advisory council and speak at the APEC CEO Summit.
He will be accompanied by First Lady Liza Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Teresa Lazaro, Trade and Industry Secretary Maria Cristina Roque, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Presidential Communications Office acting secretary Dave Gomez, and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go. Additionally, Marcos will meet the Filipino community in Busan, home to around 70,000 Filipinos, including over 42,000 overseas Filipino workers in sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, entertainment, and household services. Escalona said there are no major issues for Filipinos in South Korea due to strong labor laws.
The visit will end with a wreath-laying and tree-planting ceremony at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan to honor 7,420 Filipino soldiers who fought in the Korean War as part of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea.
No meetings are scheduled with US President Donald Trump or Chinese President Xi Jinping, as APEC focuses on economic matters like trade, investment, and sustainable development, excluding political issues such as the West Philippine Sea dispute. The DFA is finalizing two possible bilateral meetings for Marcos, along with sessions with business leaders in priority sectors.