President Marcos will leave today for the United Nations in New York, where he is expected to raise the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and rally broader support for a seat on the UN Security Council.

Joining the President are First Lady Liza Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. and Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez.

The President is scheduled to visit the UN headquarters from March 9 to 10.

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson assistant secretary Angelica Escalona earlier said Marcos would tackle the situation in the Middle East during his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The President will also reiterate the Philippines’ commitment to the UN and to multilateralism.

Escalona said the UN is the most appropriate venue for the President to call for peace in the Middle East and the safety of all civilians.

Marcos will also address a special session of the UN General Assembly to rally additional support for the country’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027 to 2028.

The President will likewise speak at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

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,” the DFA official said.

A seat in the Security Council gives the Philippines the power and a voice in matters of global safety and security, Escalona stressed.

The President has no scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump, the DFA official clarified.

This is Marcos’ sixth visit to the US since he assumed office in 2022.

US visit hit

Despite the intention, Marcos’ trip to the US drew criticism from activist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), which questioned the timing of the visit.

“Is this really the priority in a time of crisis? We don’t even have an independent foreign policy, so are we just playing along with the United States?” Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes said in a statement, urging Marcos to repeal the Oil Deregulation Law to help reduce the prices of petroleum products.– Helen Flores, Emmanuel Tupas