PBBM reaffirms country’s commitment to peace, security through peaceful means

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. highlighted the contributions made by the Philippines in promoting peace and justice during his participation at the High-Level General Debate of the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday.

Speaking before hundreds of world leaders, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to the fundamental principles of the United Nations of preserving peace, security, and stability among nations.

“I stand today on behalf of 110 million Filipinos. At this time of crisis and opportunity, I bring with me the spirit of their enduring commitment to the ideals of our United Nations,” Marcos said.

“This commitment is reflected in our solid contributions to the cause of peace and of justice, he added.

The chief executive cited the Philippines’ role in shepherding the Manila Declaration of 1982 noting that it helped affirm that differences should only be resolved through peaceful means.

He likewise stressed the country’s contribution to reinforcing the predictability and stability of international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, wherein the Philippines provided an example of how states should resolve disputes which is through reason and right.

“These two contributions provide useful guidance for our time. For amidst the challenging global tides, an important ballast stabilizes our common vessel. That is, our open, inclusive, and rules-based international order that is governed by international law and informed by the principles of equity and of justice,” he said.

The President then maintained that the Philippines will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy of being a friend to all and an enemy to none.

Marcos is the first Philippine president who personally attended the UNGA since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2019.

He was the first leader of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) who delivered a statement during the High-Level General Debate, which was attended by more than 150 heads of state and government. (PND)