By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – “The Philippines isn’t just asking for a seat at the table; we’ve earned it through a proven track record of fostering global peace.”
This is the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro as she leads the Philippine delegation in New York for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent member seat at the influential United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
In an Inquirer piece published a day ahead the UNSC election, the Filipino top diplomat said the Philippines is “fully prepared” for the role should it secure enough votes on June 3.
“Manila’s candidacy for the 2027–2028 nonpermanent seat rests on decades of multilateral engagement—and arrives at a moment when the UN Security Council can least afford to waste it,” she said.
“At a time when the rules-based international order is under unprecedented stress, the composition of the Council matters more than ever.”
The Philippines from Southeast Asia and Kyrgyzstan from Central Asia are vying for the sole seat UNSC allocated for the Asia-Pacific Group for term 2027-2028.
Observers have framed the race as a question of regional rotation or equity for states with limited Council experience.
In her op-ed, Lazaro said Manila intends to “push back against that framing,” as Article 23 of the UN Charter is clear on the top consideration when electing a non-permanent member — due regard on a candidate’s contribution to peace and security.
“Geography and turn-taking are secondary considerations,” she said.
“The Philippines filed its candidature in 2013 — four years before Kyrgyzstan entered the race — and the strength of its bid lies precisely in what Article 23 demands: a demonstrated record.”
Lazaro said a “trusted voice” like the Philippines is needed in an era when Western-led institutions face growing legitimacy deficits in the developing world.
“[H]aving a credible, trusted voice from Southeast Asia on the Security Council carries real strategic value — for the Council and for the multilateral system as a whole,” she said.
“The 2027–2028 Council term will almost certainly require navigating active armed conflicts, deepening humanitarian crises, new climate-security flashpoints, and continued pressure on arms control and nonproliferation norms. The elected members who join the Council for that term will be called upon to do more than provide procedural quorum,” she said.
The Filipino top diplomat said elected UNSC members for the next term would need to “broker compromises, hold the line on international law, and lend legitimacy to Council action in a world increasingly skeptical of great-power institutions.”
“The Philippines has the track record, the relationships, and the diplomatic culture to play that role effectively,” she said.
“Manila has spent decades building the kind of trust — across regions, across development levels, across geopolitical blocs — that cannot be assembled quickly. The question before member states on June 3 is not which country deserves the seat, but which country can best use it. On that question, the Philippines’ case is strong.”
The UNSC is composed of five permanent and 10 non-permanent members, and holds the responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.
On June 3, at 10 a.m. (New York time), the UN General Assembly will elect five non-permanent members, also known as the incoming five (I-5), to replace the outgoing members whose terms conclude at the end of 2026.
Israel backs PH candidacy
The Israeli government has made an explicit show of support to the Philippines’ candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the UNSC.
Speaking to reporters in Manila on Wednesday, Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh confirmed that Israel would back Manila during the UNSC election at the UN General Assembly in New York City.
“We are hoping that the Philippines will get a seat in the Security Council and try to facilitate the world to lead to a better and peaceful world, and to back Israel in the international fora,” she said.
“We are sharing the same values and goal and we need to see how are we crafting the future of this world together. And God willing there will be peace prevailing.”
The envoy believes Manila could provide huge contribution to the Council through its vast experience and leadership in advancing peace.
“The Philippines is a great nation that can make a lot of impact in the multinational arena. So, God willing, if and when they will be announced tomorrow to have a seat at the UNSC, we are looking forward that they will continue with their leadership,” she said. (PNA)
