President Marcos heads for New York to address UN General Assembly

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. departed for the United States on Sunday, March 8, for a working visit to New York City, where he is expected to call for peace in the Middle East and to urge for the protection of civilians amid the escalating conflict in the region.

The President is set to attend several engagements at the United Nations from March 9 to 10, including a special session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

Angelica Escalona, spokesperson of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), earlier said the President will use the visit to convey the Philippines’ call for restraint and respect for international law amid the ongoing tensions.

“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,” she said.

Escalona added that Marcos will present “a voice from our region, from developing countries,” while urging the parties involved in the conflict to respect international law and to start negotiations.

Marcos will also address a special session of the UN General Assembly to seek support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat at the UN 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,” she said.

The President is also expected to meet with António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations, to discuss developments in the Middle East and to reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to multilateral cooperation.

Marcos will likewise deliver remarks at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, where he is expected to highlight the Philippines’ efforts to promote and protect the rights and welfare of women and girls.

Accompanying the President on the trip are First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, as well as several Cabinet officials including Maria Theresa Lazaro, Hans Leo Cacdac, Carlito Galvez Jr., and Dave Gomez, among others.