Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s upcoming engagements at the United Nations will provide the country an opportunity to serve as an important voice to the Middle East conflict, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday, March 6.
Marcos will be in New York, USA on March 8 to 11 to attend the opening of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
“The president will offer a voice from our region, from developing countries, and call for restraint, respect for international law, including the UN Charter and humanitarian law, and for all concerned to return to the negotiating table for peace,” DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said during a press briefing.
“Napakahalaga po ng biyaheng ito. Ito po ang tamang pagkakataon dahil sa mga nangyayari ngayon sa Middle East. Ang UN ang pinaka-angkop na lugar upang manawagan ang ating pangulo para sa kapayapaan sa Middle East at sa kaligtasan ng lahat ng mga sibilyan, lalo na ng ating mga kababayan,” she added.
[Translation: This trip is very important. It comes at the right time because of the developments in the Middle East. The UN is the most appropriate venue for our president to call for peace in the Middle East and for the safety of all civilians, especially our fellow Filipinos.]
Marcos will also speak at a special session of the UN General Assembly, where he will promote the Philippine candidacy for a nonpermanent seat at the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 term. Elections for the seat are scheduled for June.
Under the theme, “Partner, Pathfinder, Peacemaker,” the DFA said the country aims to highlight its experience in peacebuilding — such as efforts in the Bangsamoro region — and its commitment to international law in promoting global security.
“The Philippines has continuously and constructively engaged the United Nations and UN member states since the organization’s founding in 1945 to advance the rule of law, multilateralism, sustainable development, climate resilience, humanitarian action, and the promotion of human rights and protection of vulnerable groups in conflict situations,” Escalona said.
The chief executive will also meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, where he is expected to reiterate the government’s commitment to the United Nations and multilateralism.
“Importante po ang mga usaping ito para sa mga Pilipino at mga mamamayan mula sa mga developing countries — kabilang ang usapin ng sovereignty, maritime security, global economy, at ang kaligtasan ng ating overseas Filipino workers,” the DFA said.
[Translation: These issues are important for Filipinos and for citizens of developing countries — including sovereignty, maritime security, the global economy, and the safety of our overseas Filipino workers.]
No meetings with Trump, other world leaders
Aside from Guterres, Escalona said there is no meeting between Marcos and other world leaders.
Asked whether a meeting with US President Donald Trump was in the works, Escalona said “Wala po.”
[Translation: “None.”]
When asked whether Marcos would raise concerns about the South China Sea and other regional security issues during his UN engagements, Escalona declined to provide details.
“I cannot preempt what the president will say, but definitely pag-uusapan po ang international developments, regional developments, at ang mga bagay na makaapekto sa ating mga mamamayan,” she said.
[Translation: “I cannot preempt what the president will say, but international developments, regional developments, and matters that affect our citizens will definitely be discussed.”]
Escalona also said there is no meeting between Marcos and the Filipino community in New York.
This will be the president’s sixth visit to the U.S. since assuming office in 2022.
