Palace defends Marcos' trip to US amid Middle East tension

Malacañang on Monday defended the working visit of President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. to the United States amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which is affecting oil prices in the Philippines. 

Marcos is in New York City to participate in high-level engagements at the United Nations. He will also campaign for the Philippines’ candidature for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028.  

''Ito po ang nararapat na panahon para sa Pangulo natin para ipakita sa mga miyembro na karapat-dapat po ang Pilipinas para mabigyan po ng non-permanent seat sa UN Security Council. Ito po ang natatamang panahon,'' Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro told reporters there. 

(This is the perfect time for the President to show members of the UN that the Philippines is worthy of having a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council.) 

Last week, the President urged government agencies and the public to save energy resources amid the ongoing tension. He even directed the enforcement of a four-day work week as a measure to conserve energy. 

Meanwhile, Castro also responded to the criticisms made by former presidential spokesman Harry Roque regarding the concerts and Palace events held in the first week of March despite the tension in the Middle East.

Castro pointed out that the events were not lavish or extravagant, adding that these were meant to showcase Filipinos' talents and skills.

''Alam ba ni Atty. Harry Roque kung ano ang event pag sinabi nating konsiyerto sa Goldenberg Mansion? Noon pa po ito, every month po ito ginaganap. Bakit? Ito po ay para i-promote mismo ang mga local artists natin, ang kultura natin, ang mga Pilipino na may talent. Hindi lamang po ito isang event,'' she said. 

(Does Atty. Harry Roque knows what kind of event is being held at the Goldenberg Mansion? This is a monthly event to promote our local artists, our culture, as well as Filipinos who have talents.)

''Mga estudyante po ang kinukumbida rito ng Unang Ginang. Mga estudyante na para mabuksan ang kanilang isip na ito ang meron tayo. Ito ang maipagmamalaki natin. So, hindi po ito isang marangyang event. Ito po ay para sa kultura, sa talento, sa talino ng mga Pilipino at mga estudyante at mga kabataan po ang iniimbitahan dito,'' she added. 

(The First Lady usually invites students during these events. So these were not lavish events. These are for the culture, talent, and skills of Filipinos as well as for the youth whom the First Lady was inviting.) —LDF, GMA Integrated News