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President Marcos said he advised his son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, to support the impeachment process, but that he himself is merely an observer.
RYAN BALDEMOR
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos expressed readiness to expand the areas of cooperation between the Philippines and the Czech Republic during his meeting with the European country’s defense chief yesterday at Malacañang.
During the courtesy visit of Czech Defense Minister Jana ?ernochová, Marcos recalled what he described as his “productive” visit to Prague last March, when he met with Czech President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala to discuss ways to boost bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, defense, agriculture, renewable energy transport and people-to-people exchanges.
Marcos expressed hope that Manila and Prague would have a stronger relationship across various sectors, including cultural exchanges, economic collaboration, defense and security cooperation and diplomatic and governmental ties.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, the potential areas of cooperation between the two countries include cyber security and the possible participation of the Czech Republic in the International Observers Program of the 2025 iteration of Exercise Balikatan.
?ernochová on the other hand expressed admiration for the Philippines and its people.
“I am very much impressed with your beautiful country, not only through this official visit, but I am also very impressed by your very nice, kind and hardworking people who are deeply appreciated in the Czech Republic,” she said.
As of June 30, there are about 8,700 Filipinos in the Czech Republic who are employed in the processing industry, automotive, appliance repair, manufacturing, IT communications, real estate, health and wellness and household service.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. also met with ?ernochová in Makati City yesterday to discuss various defense issues.
Department of National Defense spokesman Arsenio Andolong said the meeting underscored the resumption of the Philippine-Czech Joint Defense Committee, which convened on Feb. 5 as both parties recognized it as a crucial mechanism for enhancing defense cooperation.
Teodoro provided updates on the security situation in the West Philippine Sea, with the Philippines reiterating its commitment to a peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomatic channels while stressing that continued aggression in the WPS poses a threat to regional peace and stability.
Teodoro also discussed the Philippine Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept and emphasized the importance of investing in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program, supported by strategic financing packages and international partnerships.
Andolong said discussions also covered the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act. - Michael Punongbayan
