MANILA — Malacañang said the Philippines is in a strong position to secure a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), with the Palace asserting that “now is the right time” for the country to push its bid and amplify its role in shaping global peace and security policies.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Marcos administration believes the Philippines has the credibility and diplomatic standing to seek the influential seat, which would allow the country to participate directly in key international decisions involving conflicts, security threats, and global stability.
“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,” Castro told reporters in New York.
Castro made the remarks amid questions raised by critics and some lawmakers over the need for the Philippines to actively campaign for the position.
According to the Palace, obtaining a seat in the Security Council would enable the Philippines to help shape international policy discussions and strengthen its role in global efforts to maintain peace and stability.
“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,” 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,” Castro added.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez also underscored the importance of securing a seat at the council, noting that even a temporary position would give the Philippines a stronger voice in addressing pressing global challenges.
He said the country’s participation could help contribute to discussions on international conflicts, including tensions in the Middle East.
“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 seeking a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. Elections for the position are scheduled in June 2026, with the Philippines expected to compete against Kyrgyzstan for the Asia-Pacific seat./PN
