Hours after his address, Marcos met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres briefly. According to a release from the UN, the two leaders “discussed areas of United Nations cooperation and support.”

The two also “exchanged views on the international situation as well as climate action initiatives.”

Progressive groups marched as close as they could to the United Nations headquarters as Marcos was set to speak during the General Debate. Some brought with them images of those who were killed during Martial Law.

Protesters who first gathered outside the US Consulate marched closer to the UN – although they’re still a good distance away – just as President Marcos was set to speak during the afternoon session of the General Debate. 

Protesters gathered outside the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations (UN) along 5th Avenue ahead of Marcos’ address before the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, September 20 (Wednesday, September 21, Philippine time).

The crowd – a mix of young and old – of Filipino or Filipino-Americans and their allies commemorated the 50th anniversary of the first Marcos president’s declaration of Martial Law. 

They said of Marcos’ UNGA address: “It is a travesty and a slap in the face to both the courageous Filipinos who survived torture and economic ruin, and the families of those who were disappeared and murdered at the hands of the Marcos family – many of whom live in the United States.”

The building that houses the consulate in itself is a reminder of the Marcos family’s decades-long rule. A plaque inside the building says the building was “inspired and dedicated” by the former first lady Imelda Marcos, the President’s mother. Imelda, just like President Marcos, faces a contempt judgment issued by a US court. Only President Marcos is accorded diplomatic immunity by virtue of being head of state. 

Live from New York City, Rappler reporter Bea Cupin gives a recap of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s activities on his working visit to the United States.

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