By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will no longer attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States next week, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Sec. Dave Gomez confirmed Monday.
In a statement released by the PCO, Gomez said the President asked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Sec. Ma. Theresa Lazaro to represent him at the UNGA High-Level Week, which will begin Sept. 22, and will instead focus on domestic matters.
“The President has delegated his engagements at the UNGA to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to allow him to focus on local issues,” Gomez said.
The Chief Executive recently completed the composition of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), tasked to probe anomalies and irregularities in flood control and other infrastructure projects in the country.
Marcos last appeared at the UNGA in 2022.
In a separate statement Tuesday, the DFA emphasized that Lazaro will “reaffirm the Philippines’ strong commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based order” during the UNGA High-Level Week and will also promote the country’s bid for a non-permanent membership at the UN Security Council.
“She will highlight the Philippines’ role in addressing complex challenges as well as the country’s call for a stronger UN—one that promotes peace, security, climate action, migrant protection, and sustainable development,” it stated.
The DFA chief will likewise meet with other foreign ministers to strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties with other nations.
The Philippine delegation is also expected to engage in high-level discussions on critical issues, such as artificial intelligence, climate financing, migration, biodiversity, and maritime security.
The UNGA is the main policymaking body of the organization, where heads of government and foreign dignitaries meet to discuss international issues covered by the UN Charter.
The 80th session of the UNGA opened on Sept. 9.
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