President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to visit the United Nations (UN) in New York from March 9 to 10 to call for peace amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Spokesperson Angelica Escalona said on Friday, March 6.
In a press briefing, Escalona said the trip comes at a crucial time as the international community seeks to address the ongoing conflict in the region.
“Napakahalaga po ng biyaheng ito. Ito po ang tamang pagkakataon dahil sa mga nangyayari ngayon sa Middle East. Ang UN ang pinakaangkop 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,” Escalona said.
Escalona said Marcos will serve as a voice representing the region and developing countries as he urges parties involved in the conflict to pursue diplomacy and uphold 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,” she said.
During the visit, Marcos is scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss the situation in the Middle East and other global concerns.
The president will also address a special session of the UN General Assembly, where he is expected to promote the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. Elections for the position are scheduled in June.
“Importante po ang mga usaping ito para sa mga Pilipino at mga mamamayan mula sa mga developing countries. May impact po ito sa ating sovereignty, maritime security, sa global economy, at sa safety ng ating overseas Filipino workers,“ she said.
In addition, Marcos will participate in the opening of the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, where he will be scheduled to speak.
Escalona said the president’s schedule will focus mainly on UN engagements, noting that Marcos will not have the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders, including United States President Donald Trump, during the two-day visit.
