UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK – Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Enrique Manalo has presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, succeeding retired Ambassador Antonio Manuel Lagdameo.
This marks the second time Manalo will serve as the Philippines’ Permanent Representative to the UN, following his tenure as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Secretary-General Guterres thanked the Philippines for its significant contributions to the UN and expressed confidence that Manalo’s presence would deepen cooperation between the Philippines and the organization.
“We are very grateful for all the contributions of the Philippines to our work, and actually, with your presence, our cooperation will deepen further and become more effective,” Guterres said.
He also asked Manalo to extend his warmest regards to President Marcos:
“Please convey to His Excellency the President my very, very warm regards,” he added.
Career Diplomat
Born in Manila to Armando and Jimena Manalo—both career diplomats—he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Economics at the University of the Philippines and began his career in the foreign service in 1979. He started as a special assistant to the Office of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
In 2017, Manalo was appointed Acting DFA Secretary after President Rodrigo Duterte’s nominee, Perfecto Yasay, was rejected by the Commission on Appointments over U.S. citizenship issues. Duterte later appointed Alan Peter Cayetano as DFA Secretary, while Manalo was named Permanent Representative to the UN in 2020.
In 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed him DFA Secretary, succeeding Cayetano. When Malacañang requested courtesy resignations from all Cabinet members in May, Marcos did not accept Manalo’s resignation. Instead, he reappointed him as Permanent Representative to the UN.
Challenges
One of the major challenges Manalo will face is leading the Philippine campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC), a crucial effort amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
The elections for the 2027–2028 term will be held in June next year. If successful, it will be the Philippines’ fifth time to hold a UNSC seat, after previous terms in 1957, 1963, 1980–1981, and 2004–2005.
In a statement, the Philippine Mission to the UN said that under Manalo’s leadership, the Philippines is ready to work with fellow UN member states to promote global peace.
“In line with the Philippines’ commitment to multilateralism, PR Manalo stated that he looks forward to working with all countries to advance peace and sustainable development, and to further strengthen the Philippines’ constructive voice at the UN.” —VAL, GMA Integrated News
