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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos to push Middle East peace, civilian protection in UN address

Marcos to push Middle East peace, civilian protection in UN address

Published Mar 6, 2026 12:21 pm  |  Updated Mar 6, 2026 01:34 pm
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. is set to talk about the ongoing tension in the Middle East during his visit to the United Nations in New York from March 9-10, 2026. (UN/AP file photos)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. is set to talk about the ongoing tension in the Middle East during his visit to the United Nations in New York from March 9-10, 2026. (UN/AP file photos)
President Marcos will use his upcoming visit to the United Nations (UN) in New York to call for peace in the Middle East and the protection of civilians, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
Speaking in a pre-departure briefing on Friday, March 6, DFA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Angelica Escalona said the President will deliver the Philippines’ call for restraint and adherence to international law amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
“Napakahalaga po ng biyaheng ito (This trip is very important),” she said.
“Ito po ang tamang pagkakataon dahil sa mga nangyayari ngayon sa Middle East. Ang UN ang pinakaangkop na lugar upang manawagan ng ating Pangulo para sa kapayapaan sa Middle East at sa kaligtasan ng lahat ng mga sibilyan, lalo na ng ating mga kababayan (This is the right opportunity given 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),” she added.
Escalona said Marcos will offer “a voice from our region, from developing countries” and call on parties involved in the conflict to respect international law and return to negotiations.
“In fact, in two meetings, 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.
Marcos will visit the United Nations on March 9 and 10.

UNSC bid

Escalona said the President will also speak in a special session of the UN General Assembly to seek support for the Philippines’ bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for 2027 to 2028.
“Bakit nga ba mahalaga na magkaroon tayo ng seat sa UN Security Council? … nagbibigay ito sa Pilipinas ng kapangyarihan at boses sa mga usaping global safety at security (Why is it important for us to have a seat in the UN Security Council? … It gives the Philippines the power and voice in issues of global safety and security),” she explained.
She added that these matters affect the country’s sovereignty, maritime security, global economic stability, and the safety of overseas Filipino workers.

Meeting with UN chief

The President is also scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the visit.
Escalona said the meeting will tackle the armed conflict in the Middle East and reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to the United Nations and multilateralism.
Aside from this, the President has no scheduled bilateral meetings with other world leaders during the trip, not even US President Donald Trump.
She likewise confirmed that there will be no meeting between Marcos and members of the Filipino community in New York.

Address at CSW70

Marcos will likewise speak at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70).
“He will highlight here the Philippines' commitment to promote, advance, and protect the rights and well-being of women and girls,” she said.

Delegation

The President will be accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and several Cabinet officials.
Among them are DFA Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro; Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac; Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr.; and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez; among others.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Middle East conflict United Nations DFA Angelica Escalona
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