Malacañang has defended President Marcos’ push for the Philippines to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying the country would have the opportunity to participate in decision-making on international peace and security.

Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro rejected criticisms over Marcos' eagerness to secure a seat at the UNSC.

She stressed that while others say the country might not gain anything from it, the Philippines would actually gain something, such as a voice in the decision-making process on peace and security and the credibility of being a leader for peace.

"Ang pagiging miyembro po, sa isang non-permanent seat, makakapagbigay po ito ng pagkakataon upang makapag-hubog ng mga pangdaigdigang agenda o adhikain (Becoming a member in a non-permanent seat would give the Philippines a voice to help shape global agendas or aspirations)," Castro said in an interview on Monday, March 9.

Castro pointed out that the move is not only for the country and its national interest, but it is also in the interest of the region.

"At hindi lang po 'yan, ito po ay makakapag-angat ng ating kredibilidad upang mapakita natin na tayo ay leader para sa kapayapaan. At maliban po diyan, pati po ang pagiging integridad ng Pilipinas upang gampanan ang kanyang tungkulin para mas lumawig pa ang pagtawag sa pangdaigdigang kapayapaan (And not only that, it would elevate our credibility and show that we are a leader for peace. Beyond that, it would also strengthen the Philippines’ integrity in fulfilling its duty to further advance the call for global peace)," Castro said.

The Palace mouthpiece said the country's capacity to gain a UNSC seat should not be undermined.

She lamented that it was unfortunate that the move "does not look good among some of our fellow Filipinos."

"Instead na magiging positibo, mas nagiging negatibo po. Mas nadidinig pa ang pagbagsak sa integridad ng Pilipinas— parang talangka na pilit ibinabagsak kung ano man ang kapasidad ng ating bansa (Instead of being positive, they become more negative. What is heard more is the undermining of the integrity of the Philippines—like crabs pulling each other down, trying to drag down whatever capacity our country may have)," Castro expressed.

"Ang boses po na ito — kahit isang bansa lang po tayo — kapag naipakita po ng ating bansa kung ano ang nararapat para sa pangdaigdigang kapayapaan at seguridad, ito po ay pakikinggan. Kahit papaano po ang boses na 'yan ay kailangan (That voice—even if we are only one country—if our country can show what is right for global peace and security, it will be heard. In one way or another, that voice is needed)," she added.

Marcos is currently in the United States to attend engagements at the United Nations from March 9 to 10, including a special session of the United Nations General Assembly and the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.