Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in New York City, USA on Sunday for a two-day working visit where he is expected to address the United Nations and seek support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
The Philippines is campaigning for a rotating seat on the 15-member council for the 2027–2028 term, a position that would allow the country to take part in decisions on global peace and security.
Marcos will participate in the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, where he is expected to highlight Philippine policies and programs on gender equality and women empowerment.
The president said his participation reflects the country’s continued commitment to advancing women rights and sharing its experiences with other nations.
The Philippines signed the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in 1980 and ratified it in 1981, becoming the first member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to adopt the international treaty.
Marcos is also expected to address the 193-member United Nations General Assembly in a special session organized by the assembly president.
The president is expected to outline the Philippine position on key global issues and underscore its support for multilateral cooperation anchored in international law.
“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 last week.
“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.]
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.”]
This will be the president’s sixth visit to the US since assuming office in 2022.
