The Philippines on Sunday, Sept. 24 (Manila time), appealed to the United Nations (UN) to support its bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, citing its peace-building and counter-terrorism efforts.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo speaks at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023 (Manila time). (Photo from Sec. Manalo/Twitter)
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo delivered a statement on behalf of President Marcos during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York City.
The official highlighted the country’s adherence to UN Security Council resolutions, as well as its work on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as a manifestation of “the vision of the Philippines for people-focused peace-building.”
“The Philippine candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028 manifests our strong desire to offer the best of the Philippine diplomatic tradition,” he said.
“We count on the support of all UN member states in this regard,” Manalo furthered.
In May, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said the Philippines already presented its candidature and started its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC.
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.
Then, De Vega said the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) could also be up for a dialogue under the UNSC.
Marcos first announced the country's bid for a UNSC seat during his speech at the UN General Assembly in September of last year.
The UN Security Council is composed of 15 member-states, with China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States as permanent members of the council.
The 10 non-permanent members sit on the council for a term of two years and can be reinstated if elected by the UN General Assembly.
All 15 permanent and non-permanent members, at the time of their term, are entitled to one vote each, and are mandated to follow the decision of the council.
The Philippines had been a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 1957, 1963, 1980-1981, and 2004-2005.