President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. held a significant meeting with Hollywood icon George Clooney and renowned human rights lawyer Amal Clooney at Malacañan Palace on Friday, November 14, 2025, focusing on critical global issues affecting media and technology.
High-Level Discussion on Press Freedom and AI
The courtesy call brought together the Philippine leader and the internationally acclaimed couple to explore shared initiatives aimed at protecting journalistic freedom and establishing ethical guidelines for artificial intelligence development. President Marcos detailed his administration's ongoing efforts to create a secure environment where Filipino journalists can perform their duties without intimidation or restrictions.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, the meeting highlighted the Marcos administration's commitment to safeguarding media independence while addressing emerging technological challenges. The President emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust free press as a cornerstone of Philippine democracy.
Amal Clooney's Vision for AI and Justice
Amal Clooney, an esteemed international human rights lawyer, brought attention to the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in expanding access to justice globally. Her expertise in international law and technology provided valuable insights into how AI could be harnessed to serve public good while minimizing risks.
President Marcos welcomed her perspective and stressed the urgent need for responsible regulatory frameworks to ensure AI technologies are developed and deployed ethically. "President Marcos welcomed this and added the need for responsible regulation to ensure the ethical and secure use of AI," the PCO statement confirmed.
Philippine Visit for Global Summit
The Clooneys are in the Philippines to headline the Social Good Summit 2025, scheduled for November 16 at Lanson Place in Pasay City. The power couple is expected to address pressing global challenges affecting civil liberties, free speech, and the impact of emerging technologies on human rights.
President Marcos expressed his hope that the Clooneys' stay in the Philippines would be both productive and memorable. The meeting was attended by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, underscoring the importance of the discussions.
George Clooney's participation adds significant weight to the dialogue, given his extensive humanitarian work alongside his celebrated film career. Amal Clooney brings substantial legal expertise from her positions as Professor of Practice in International Law at Oxford University's Blavatnik School of Government and Senior Fellow at the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice.
This high-level engagement marks a significant moment for Philippine international diplomacy, positioning the country at the forefront of global conversations about technology ethics and press freedom protection.
