MANILA : President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (pic) is expected to speak at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Sept 20, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babes” Romualdez said on Monday (Aug 8).

“We have recommended to him - Secretary [Enrique] Manalo recommended to him that we attend the United Nations General Assembly,” Romualdez said on ANC’s Headstart.

“So, President Marcos is expected to speak at the UN on Sept 20 which is the day it starts,” he went on.

According to the envoy, several people are “very eager” to listen to Marcos Jr, and many heads of state have asked to have a meeting with him.

Marcos has been preparing for his engagement and has created an outline for his speech, said Romualdez.

The president’s key message would be about the Covid-19 pandemic recovery.

“He has already put together a sketch or an outline for his speech. This is very important for us. I think we’re ready to sort of tell the world that we’re here, we’re going to play a major role in the global community,” Romualdez shared.

“More importantly, which is really part of what President Marcos has always said, the recovery from the pandemic is not going to be done by one country alone but by the world. That probably will be his message at the United Nations,” he added.

Asked if Marcos Jr would mention security and West Philippine Sea issues, Romualdez said that he supposes so.

“I think that that’s probably going to be mentioned generally, I suppose because he’s getting a lot of - he normally asks Cabinet secretaries to give him inputs on what to say. I’m sure that’s probably one part of it because it involves our security,” he answered.

“But more importantly, the clear message that we would like to give to the world that we are part of a community that would like to contribute to world peace and economic prosperity for everyone,” he continued.

 - ANN