Sixteen (16) countries have expressed support to the Philippines' bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028, a position the country appealed for during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in September.

This was disclosed both by Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri and House Speaker Martin Romualdez during a press conference at the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF 31) in Pasay City on Thursday, Nov. 23.

"Without naming names of countries, so far, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has pointed out that out of 27 countries of the APPF...we have support of already 15," the Senate leader said. 

Romualdez mentioned that another country has expressed support for the Philippines' bid and is optimistic that the forum will be good for the said endeavor. 

"Kakalunch lang natin, and nakaisa na nga tayo. Nakadagdag pa tayo ng isa and that's just on the first lunch. We will be collaborating with our other friends in the region for our candidature for the non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the ensuing year," he said.

"Kaya right away this forum is paying off dividends. So we're very confident that with God's prayers and all your support we shall be successful," he added.

Zubiri also stated that the Philippines would still need to "court" 11 more countries.

Back in September, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo appealed for the said seat citing the country's peace-building and counter-terrorism efforts.

As a non-permanent member, the Philippines would be able to engage in debates, dialogues, and votes on various issues centering on the rule of law, international law, and maintaining peace and stability.

The Philippines had been a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 1957, 1963, 1980-1981, and 2004-2005.