Secretary Lazaro delivers her keynote address at a forum celebrating the anniversary of ASEAN on August 25, 2025 | Photo DFA Website
NEW YORK — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially canceled his trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly’s High-Level Week this September. Instead, he’s delegated the responsibility to Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, who will lead the Philippine delegation and represent the country on key issues like maritime security and multilateral cooperation.
The Palace cited Marcos’ decision to prioritize domestic concerns, especially the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which will investigate corruption in flood control and infrastructure projects. Despite earlier confirmations of his attendance, the shift was announced just days before the General Debate kicks off.
The ICI was created to investigate corruption and mismanagement in flood control and infrastructure projects over the past decade. Marcos emphasized that the commission’s early operations, including the appointment of its leadership and securing funding, demand his full attention. He also cited the need to address rising commodity prices and other pressing issues affecting Filipinos on the ground.
Palace officials clarified that the decision was not due to security concerns or upcoming anti-corruption protests on September 21. In fact, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that the President views the protests as aligned with his own anti-corruption agenda.
So while Marcos steps back from the global stage this week, he’s signaling a pivot toward domestic accountability and reform.
Lazaro is scheduled to be in New York for the UNGA High-Level Week from September 21 to 27, 2025. While her exact arrival date hasn’t been publicly confirmed, it’s likely she arrived over the weekend or early Monday to prepare for bilateral meetings and high-level sessions that begin midweek.
She’s expected to deliver the Philippines’ national statement on the afternoon of September 25 (New York time). She will participate in summits on climate action, AI governance, and migration throughout the week.
According to the DFA, Lazaro will be tackling issues during High-Level Week related to:
- Artificial Intelligence Governance: Advocating for Ethical, Inclusive AI Frameworks that Protect Developing Nations and Promote Equitable Tech Access;
- Climate Financing and Action: Pushing for more substantial commitments from wealthier nations to support vulnerable countries, such as the Philippines, in climate adaptation and disaster resilience;
- Migration & Protection of Migrants: Elevating the rights and welfare of overseas Filipinos and migrant workers globally, while calling for humane migration policies;
- Biodiversity & Sustainability Highlighting the Philippines’ rich ecosystems and the urgent need for global cooperation to protect biodiversity hotspots; and,
- Maritime Security Reinforcing the Philippines’ stance on a rules-based order in the West Philippine Sea and broader Indo-Pacific stability.
In addition, Lazaro will rally support for the Philippines’ campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council Bid (2027-2028), emphasizing peacebuilding and regional leadership.
Likewise, she will also push for multilateralism and UN Reform, advocating for a stronger, more responsive UN that reflects the voices of the Global South and adapts to emerging global threats.
