Jonathan Frederic De Santos

Article (news)

Presidential Communicaitons Office photo

Harlene Delgado

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786354709690769222212_1479784934174228_1083227290027946646_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Presidential Communicaitons Office photo"/>Presidential Communicaitons Office photo</div>MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. bids farewell to outgoing French Ambassador Marie Fontanel as he recognized her contributions in strengthening Philippine-France relations.Marcos Jr. received Fontanel for her farewell call at the Malacañang Palace on Monday, August 10. They “exchanged messages of appreciation” and discussed the highlights of Philippines-France bilateral relations in the last three years, the Palace said.The president conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross), Silver Distinction on the French envoy in “recognition of her contributions to strengthening Philippine-French relations and deepening cooperation between the two countries.”The Datu rank is given to foreign ministers, other Cabinet secretaries and ambassadors, Filipino or foreign, for exceptionally meritorious services in the field of international relations.The Palace said Fontanel was cited “for her role in advancing defense cooperation that led to the signing of the Philippines-France Status of Visiting Forces Agreement in March 2026, as well as for articulating France’s support for a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific and the Philippines’ maritime security efforts.” <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/13/france-ph-sovfa-underscores-paris-indo-pacific-commitment-amid-global-tensions-1723">France-PH SOVFA underscores Paris’ Indo-Pacific commitment amid global tensions </a></div>It also recognized Fontanel’s efforts to “sustain political and economic engagement between Manila and Paris, strengthen trade and investment relations in infrastructure, transportation and energy, and expand Philippine access to sustainable financing through financial and development cooperation.”“Ambassador Fontanel was likewise cited for promoting people-to-people ties through cultural and educational programs and for fostering greater friendship and mutual appreciation between the Filipino and French peoples,” the PCO added.Last April, Marcos Jr. met with Fontanel and Czech Republic Chargé d’Affaires Eva Tenzin to discuss the situation involving former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who was then released by Czech authorities and is believed to have been staying in France seeking political asylum.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. bids farewell to outgoing French Ambassador Marie Fontanel as he recognized her contributions in strengthening Philippine-France relations.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. bids farewell to outgoing French Ambassador Marie Fontanel as he recognized her contributions in strengthening Philippine-France relations.

Marcos Jr. bids farewell to French envoy, recognizes contribution to PH-France ties

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

Marcos Jr. bids farewell to French envoy, recognizes contribution to PH-France ties

Harlene Delgado,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 10, 2026 05:43 PM PHT

Read More:

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Marie Fontanel

France

envoy

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.