By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
NEW YORK CITY — Malacañang on Sunday (New York time) said this is the right time to give the Philippines a voice and campaign for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stressing that the move serves national, regional, and global interests.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said securing a seat would allow the Philippines to contribute to international peace and security decisions, as well as enhance its credibility as a peace advocate.
“Ito po ‘yung tamang panahon. Ito po ang nararapat na panahon para sa Pangulo natin para ipakita sa mga miyembro na karapat-dapat po ang Pilipinas para mabigyan po ng non-permanent seat sa UN Security Council. Ito po ang natatamang panahon (This is the right time. This is the proper time for our President to show the members that the Philippines deserves to be given a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council. This is the appropriate time),” Castro told reporters here.
Castro issued the statement in an interview with reporters, expressing dismay over lawmakers and critics who questioned the need to push the country’s candidacy.
She added that the Philippines’ bid would help shape international agendas and participate in decisions affecting global peace and security.
“Ito po ay makakapag-angat ng ating kredibilidad upang mapakita natin na tayo’y lider para sa kapayapaan. At maliban po d’yan, pati po ang pagiging, ang integridad ng Pilipinas upang gampanan ang kanyang tungkulin para mas lumawig pa ang pagtawag sa pandaigdigang kapayapaan. Hindi po ‘yan kasi ang nakikita nila (This will enhance our credibility to show that we are a leader for peace. And beyond that, it also reflects the character and integrity of the Philippines in fulfilling its role, so that the call for global peace can be further strengthened. That, however, is not what they see),” she said.
“Katulad po na sinabi natin, wala pong ibang pagkakataon kundi ito. Ito po ang kinakailangang makipag-usap po, at ipakita na ang Pangulo po mismo ay interesado po na ang Pilipinas ay mabigyan po ng non-permanent seat sa UN Security Council (As we said, there is no other opportunity but this. This is the time to engage in discussions and show that the President himself is interested in the Philippines being granted a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council),” Castro added.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said the Philippines’ campaign for the UNSC seat would help address pressing global issues, including the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Asked about its potential impact on the Philippines, Romualdez said it would allow the Philippines to have a stronger voice in global decisions, influence peace and security initiatives, and protect national and regional interests.
“Well, everyone has their own interpretation of this. But to us, especially for the world, having a seat at the Security Council, even if it’s a temporary seat, it’s not a permanent seat, it still makes an impact for us precisely because of the conflicts, or rather the challenges that we face,” Romualdez said.
The Philippines is actively campaigning for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC for the 2027-2028 term.
The country’s campaign aims to highlight its legacy as a founding member of the UN and its commitment to peace, diplomacy, and international law.
The elections for the council seat are scheduled in June 2026, with the Philippines expected to compete with Kyrgyzstan for the Asia-Pacific seat. (PNA)
