Speaker Martin G. Romualdez said he has “never been prouder” to be a Filipino after listening to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s historic address at the 77th United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York City on Tuesday afternoon (Wednesday in Manila).
“I have never been prouder to stand as a Filipino in the company of world leaders. It was a great experience to see and hear our President spell out, in clear terms, what we as a people expect from the parliament of nations,” Romualdez said, referring to the reaffirmation made by President Marcos of the ideals upheld and promoted by the UN.
Romualdez said the Filipino leader’s participation at the event was a symbolic act that would play a significant role in advancing peace and stability, not only in the Southeast Asian region but in the Philippines’ sphere of influence as well.
He said Mr. Marcos’ remarks—his first on the world stage since his election last May—show “how we all need to work together to address the urgent problems plaguing the globe in this generation… That we need to act fast if we want humanity to survive.”
“The UN has long been an independent arbiter and an effective facilitator of the international dialogue between and among nations. It continues to be our country’s honor to be part of this global family of nations that has continued to remain faithful to its mission of fostering world peace,” said Romualdez, who accompanied Mr. Marcos on his visit to the US.
“President Marcos’ call for global unity resonates with each one of us who fear what the tectonic shifts in the world today may bring in the coming century. The President’s words struck a chord in every Filipino household,” the Speaker said.
“He verbalized what an average Filipino family would want to tell world leaders: Please get your acts together so that we keep families all over the world feeling safe and secure for generations to come,” Romualdez said.
“Reaffirming the principles that the UN stands for means we also reaffirm our commitment to pursue dialogue and cooperation as a peaceful means to settle conflict and disputes. And this is crucial to the peace and stability in our region,” he added.
The President delivered the Philippine national statement before members of the UN at its 77th General Assembly at its global headquarters in New York.
The Chief Executive stressed, among others, the importance of the UN in enforcing and applying international law, as well as championing international dialogue and cooperation.
Romualdez said the President’s impassioned speech before the UN also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to honor its obligations under international law.
“By reaffirming the ideals of the UN, we also recognize that the Philippines is a part of a bigger world community and, as such, must adhere to the principles mutually agreed upon by members of the UN,” the Speaker said.
Romualdez thanked the President “for emphasizing to the community of nations what to expect from the Filipino nation…That we are a friend to all, and enemy of none.”
Mr. Marcos’ recent visit to the US is part of a series of international travels that aims to bring in much-needed investments to the Philippines after the ill effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.