US absence from APPF due to Thanksgiving holiday, says Zubiri

Senator Imee Marcos expressed disappointment over the absence of the United States from the 31st Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), which the Philippines is hosting.

Marcos questioned whether the US was invited in a timely manner or if a failure of coordination led to their non-participation.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri clarified that Senator Marcos was misinformed and that the US absence was due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

He explained that the US Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, had requested to move the APPF dates to accommodate US lawmakers, but invitations had already been sent and many countries had confirmed their attendance.

A total of 18 countries, including Australia, China, Japan, and Canada, are participating in the APPF.