Marcos Jr. skips UNGA to focus on domestic infrastructure commission

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will skip the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to prioritize domestic issues, specifically the newly formed Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI).

He has delegated his UNGA engagements to Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, who will lead the Philippine delegation.

The delegation will ramp up efforts to pursue the country's bid for a non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2027-2028, with the election expected next year.

Lazaro will highlight the Philippines' role in addressing complex challenges and its call for a stronger UN.

Filipino lawmakers had previously urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to introduce a resolution at the UNGA calling on China to respect the 2016 arbitral ruling and cease hostile acts in the West Philippine Sea.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro clarified that the decision was not due to security concerns or protest threats.