MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed confidence that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s participation in the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in South Korea will help attract more investments to the Philippines.

The 32nd APEC Summit, focusing on trade and economic cooperation, will be held from October 30 to November 2.

“Yes, opportunities for us to get more investments from the Republic of Korea,” DFA Spokesperson Angelica Escalona said during a Palace briefing.

When asked whether corruption issues in the Philippines might affect the President’s efforts to court investors, Escalona said this was unlikely.

“We do not really see it, because what is happening now is really an expression of our democracy, what happens in our country, and patuloy din naman ang interest in the Philippines on the economic side,” she said.

Escalona also addressed reports about a 700-billion-won infrastructure loan project to the Philippines that was allegedly halted by South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung, saying the issue had already been resolved.

“‘Yung issue na ‘yun, ‘yung sa alleged loan ay we consider that a closed matter. The Republic of Korea has issued a clarification on this at sinabi na rin ng Korea, they reassured us of their support for advancing development cooperation with the Philippines,” she said.

Escalona added that President Marcos is set to meet with various business leaders and executives while in South Korea to discuss potential areas of investment and cooperation.