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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos meets with UN Secretary-General Guterres amid PH bid for UNSC seat

Marcos meets with UN Secretary-General Guterres amid PH bid for UNSC seat

Published Mar 10, 2026 10:08 am
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Headquarters in New York to discuss various issues on March 9, 2026. (Photo courtesy of PCO)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Headquarters in New York to discuss various issues on March 9, 2026. (Photo courtesy of PCO)
President Marcos has met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Headquarters in New York to discuss various issues, including the Philippines' bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said during the meeting held on Monday, March 9 (New York time), Marcos particularly pushed for the country's bid to secure a seat at the UN Security Council.
"Muling isinulong ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang matagal ng ugnayan ng pakikipagtulungan sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at ng United nations (President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. once again promoted the long-standing cooperative relationship between the Philippines and the United Nations)," Castro said in a press briefing in New York.
Marcos, Castro said, reiterated to Guterres that the Philippines remains a "proud partner" of the UN and as one of its founding members.
"Isinulong ni Pangulo ang kandidatura ng Pilipinas sa UN Security Council o UNSC na nakatakdang pagdesisyunan sa isang eleksyon ngayong June 3, 2026 (During the meeting, the President advanced the Philippines’ candidacy for a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which will be decided in an election on June 3, 2026)," Castro added.
"We know what needs to be done and how we can contribute to the balance of power in the world," Marcos told the UN official.
He also emphasized that the Philippines' candidature for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council (UNSC) will be a manifestation of a further reaffirmation of this long-term relationship.
During the meeting, Guterres emphasized the "crucial role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in strengthening global cooperation."
According to Castro, the UN Secretary-General commended ASEAN for upholding the primacy of international law and its full respect for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
"He also wished the President the best in campaigning for our candidature. The Philippines has been known in the UN as the bridge builder and he wants to see and hear the voice of the Philippines in the UN as loud as possible," Castro said.

'It's not all about us'

Castro reiterated that securing a seat at the UNSC is not only for the country's interest, but it would give the country a voice in shaping global peace agendas.
"Ang pagiging miyembro po at mabigyan po ng non-permanent seat sa UN Security Council, hindi po ito ibig sabihin na sariling interes lang ng Pilipinas ang ipaglalaban o madidinig na boses mula sa Pilipinas (Being a member and being given a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council does not mean that only the Philippines’ own interests will be fought for or that only the voice of the Philippines will be heard)," Castro said.
"[I]t's not all about us, it's all about everybody," Castro added.
The Palace official explained that whatever country is facing issues related to peace and security, the Philippines must also be heard if it becomes a member of the UNSC, "because that voice can contribute to global safety, peace, and security."
"Maaari po at since tayo naman po ay mayroon din sariling issue pagtungkol sa ating kapayapaan at seguridad, hindi maiiwasan na ito ay matalakay (It is possible that, since we also have our own issues regarding peace and security, these may inevitably be discussed)," Castro said.
"Pero ang Pilipinas po ay hindi lang pang sarili, kundi pang kalahatan. Dahil ito po ay hindi lang pribilehiyo, ito ay responsibilidad. Hindi para sa bansa lang, kung hindi pang sa lahat ng bansa, especially sa Asia (However, the Philippines will not speak only for itself, but for the greater good. This is not just a privilege—it is a responsibility. It is not only for our country, but for all countries, especially in Asia)," she stressed.
Marcos last met Guterres in October 2025 at the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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