Tinio, Elago frown on Marcos’ possible attendance in Singapore F1 event

MANILA, Philippines — ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio and Gabriela Women’s party Rep. Sarah Elago on Wednesday slammed the possible attendance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, citing rising inflation and concerns about other basic commodities. 

The lawmakers were asked for comment on Marcos’s possible attendance at the event. Marcos is in Singapore from October 7-11 for a working visit, while the racing competition will be held from October 9-11 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. 

READ: Marcos’ Singapore F1 invite to cost PH ‘almost no expense’ – envoy

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“Kung itutuloy nya yan, manhid at tila bingi sa mga panawagan ng mga mamamayan sa kalagayang naghihirap nga, 7.2 percent inflation,” Tinio told reporters in an interview. 

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(If he attends the event, he is numb and tone deaf to the calls of the people amid the 7.2 percent inflation.)

“Samantalang hindi tinutugunan yung panawagan na magbaba ng presyo sa pamamagitan ng pagtanggal ng VAT [value-added tax] sa langis, kuryente, yung pagtaas ng sahod at sweldo, kawani, kahit yung allowance ng government employees, Pera,” he added. 

(The calls on lowering the cost of goods by removing the VAT on fuel products, electricity, and increasing the salaries of workers remain unheard.)

The inflation rate for September 2026 increased to 7.2 percent from August 2026’s 6.1 percent. 

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The Philippine Statistics Authority noted that food inflation increased from 4.6 percent in August to 6.7 percent this month.

Inflation in housing and utilities also rose from 7.9 percent to 8.4 percent. 

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READ: PH inflation climbs to 7.2% in September

Elago also cited the increasing prices of basic commodities and the lack of action on their call to abolish the 12 percent VAT. 

“Lubos na sa totoo lang ay nakakahiya po na ito pa may magbabyahe para dito sa walang kinalaman sa pangunahing pangangailangan ng ating kababayan sa panahon ng krisis,” Elago said in the same interview. 

(This is embarrassing because he will attend there amid the concerns of the people during this crisis.)

Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Macaraig on Wednesday said that Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong invited Marcos to attend the event.

He added that the invitation will cost “almost no expense” for the Philippine government, noting that Marcos will not have to pay for a ticket if he attends. 

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Palace press officer Claire Castro also confirmed the invitation extended to Marcos. She, however, did not confirm if he will attend the event. She added that “if the President will go, let us wait and hear it from him himself.” /gsg