PH Pres. Marcos speaks before the UN General Assembly

Philippine Canadian Inquirer
March 11, 2026

(Photo courtesy: Presidential Communications Office)

NEW YORK CITY, USA — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday addressed the United Nations (UN) General Assembly during a special session to reassert the country’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism and the UN Charter amid current hostilities and tensions present across parts of the world.

“All our efforts will mean little nor will they endure without the rule of law and respect for human rights,” Marcos said in his speech.

“The Philippines has consistently affirmed its resolute commitment to the rule of law and the promotion, protection and respect, of human rights,” he added, citing its adherence to international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Marcos also emphasized that these values align with those of the UN Security Council, on which he openly expressed the country’s bid for a non-permanent seat—21 years since its last in 2005.

“We are steadfast in our dedication to diplomacy, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the constructive management of differences to prevent escalation of disputes.”