PBBM Prioritizes Hostage Crisis over COP28 – In a surprising move, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has opted to forgo his attendance at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai to address a pressing hostage situation involving 17 Filipino seafarers in the Red Sea. Recently Marcos cancels Dubai trip for COP28.
The President announced his decision through a social media post, citing “important developments” in the ongoing crisis. Instead of flying to Dubai, he expressed his commitment to convene a high-level delegation to Tehran, Iran, with the primary objective of providing necessary assistance to the Filipino hostages.
In the post, Marcos stated, “In light of important developments in the hostage situation involving 17 Filipino seafarers in the Red Sea, I have made the decision not to attend COP28 in Dubai tomorrow. Today, I will be convening a meeting to facilitate the dispatch of a high-level delegation to Tehran, Iran, with the aim of providing necessary assistance to our seafarers.”
To ensure representation at COP28, the President entrusted Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga to lead the Philippine delegation and articulate the country’s stance on climate change. Yulo-Loyzaga highlighted that the Loss and Damage Fund would be a top priority for the Philippines in COP28, emphasizing its potential to aid developing nations, including the Philippines, in mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change.
This unexpected shift in priorities showcases President Marcos Jr.’s commitment to addressing immediate and critical issues affecting Filipino citizens, even at the expense of participating in crucial global discussions on climate change. The decision underscores the administration’s dedication to safeguarding the well-being of its citizens in the face of challenging circumstances.
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