Bongbong Marcos in Australia for 'Much Needed Rest', Spokesman Says

Presumptive president Bongbong Marcos is in Australia with his family for a "much needed rest" after months of campaigning in the May 9 elections, his spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Marcos and his family will be in Australia for three and a half days and will come back to the Philippines on Thursday, Vic Rodriguez, who also serves as chief of staff, told reporters in a press briefing.

"It's more of a private trip, a private visit for a much needed rest and vacation of president-elect Bongbong. And I think he would just want to enjoy the remaining few days before he assumes officially his office as the president of the republic," Rodriguez said.

READ: EXPLAINER: Salary, Privileges of the Philippine President

Earlier in the day, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison also called Marcos to congratulate him for winning the presidential race and to greet the Filipino people for successfully holding the elections last May 9, Rodriguez said.

The Australian leader also affirmed his government's commitment to maintain close ties with the Philippine government during the Marcos administration, Rodriguez added.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Marcos' trip to Australia was "kept under wraps" by his team in Manila but was discovered by Filipinos in Melbourne who protested the presumptive president's presence in the country.

Marcos' youngest son Vincent is said to be enrolling at the University of Melbourne, the report added.

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