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President Marcos leaves for the United States on Sunday, March 8, for a working visit to New York, where he is expected to call for peace in the Middle East and the protection of civilians amid the escalating conflict in the region.
The President will attend engagements at the United Nations from March 9 to 10, including a special session of the United Nations General Assembly and the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Assistant Secretary Angelica Escalona earlier said the President will use the visit to deliver the Philippines’ message calling for restraint and adherence to international law.
“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 (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 also present “a voice from our region, from developing countries” and urge parties involved in the conflict to respect international law and return to negotiations.
During the visit, Marcos will likewise address a special session of the United Nations General Assembly to seek support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
“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 said.
The President is also scheduled to meet with António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations. The meeting will discuss developments in the Middle East and reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to multilateral cooperation.
Marcos will likewise deliver remarks at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Escalona said the President will highlight the Philippines’ commitment to advancing and protecting the rights and welfare of women and girls.
Marcos is accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and several Cabinet officials, including Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro; Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac; Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr.; and Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Dave Gomez; among others.