Malacañang has defended the two-day working visit of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to New York City despite rising petroleum prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Palace press officer Claire Castro said the trip is timely as the Philippines seeks a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.
“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,” said Castro.
Earlier, Marcos Jr. urged the public and government agencies to conserve energy as fuel prices are expected to rise due to tensions in the Gulf region.
The President also ordered the implementation of a four-day workweek in government offices to help reduce electricity and energy consumption.
Marcos Jr. will stay in New York until March 11 for high-level engagements at the United Nations, where he is expected to call on parties in the Middle East conflict to exercise restraint and respect international law.IMT
