On his UN visit March 9-10, President Marcos to call for greater protection of civilians in Middle East

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will use his upcoming visit to the United Nations (UN) in New York to call for peace in the Middle East and advocate for 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,” 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,” Escalona added.

She said Marcos will offer “a voice from our region, from developing countries” and urge 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,” Escalona said.

The President will visit the UN on March 9 and 10, during which he 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,” Escalona explained. She added that these matters affect the country’s sovereignty, maritime security, global economic stability, and the safety of overseas Filipino workers.

Marcos is also scheduled to meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, where discussions will focus on the Middle East conflict and reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to the UN and multilateralism. Escalona confirmed that the President will not hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, nor will he meet with members of the Filipino community in New York.

The President will also speak at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), where he will highlight the Philippines’ commitment to promote, advance, and protect the rights and well-being of women and girls.

President Marcos will be accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and several Cabinet officials, including DFA Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr., PCO Acting Secretary Dave Gomez, and Senator Erwin Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, among others.