Marcos skips coffee with media after catching cold in Brussels

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. did not attend a scheduled coffee meeting with members of the media after he caught a cold.

The "kapihan" was among his activities for Tuesday as he continues his visit in Belgium for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-European Union Commemorative Summit.

Speaker Martin Romualdez faced the media instead. 

Romualdez said he wants the President to certify as urgent the Maharlika Investment Fund bill that is currently being deliberated in plenary at the House of Representatives.

On Monday, Marcos met with the Filipino community and commended their role for strengthening the Philippines' ties with the European Union.

He also met King Philippe of Belgium at the Royal Palace in Brussels on Tuesday.

Marcos said he was looking forward to the signing of a Philippines-Belgium joint action plan for 2023 to 2027 that will enhance bilateral cooperation.

Marcos is also set to hold bilateral meetings with leaders from Estonia, the Czech Republic, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Finland, the Netherlands, and the European Union.—Ivan Mayrina/LDF, GMA Integrated News