Countries back PH quest for UNSC post

SENATE President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said 15 out of 27 members of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) support the Philippines’ candidature as nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said in September that the Philippines is campaigning hard to win a nonpermanent seat at the UNSC for the term 2027 to 2028 so that the country will “have a voice” in the body.

BIG EVENT Senate President Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez join parliamentarians at the opening of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum held at the Philippine International Convention Center. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN 

The Philippines should be elected to the UNSC by two thirds of the members of the UN General Assembly.

“Without naming names, out of 27 member countries of APPF, we have the support of 15,” Zubiri said on Thursday at the sidelines of the 31st APPF being hosted by the Philippines from November 23 to 26.

“But, we will not mention [the countries supporting the Philippines]. We don’t want to telegraph our punches. We have a competitor to the same position,” he said in Filipino and English.

Asked how important it is for the Philippines to be represented at the UNSC, he said, “The Security Council is a principal organ of the UN and the council is responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security.” “The Security Council considers all major problems of the world. So, if we are on the council, we will have a voice in these global issues,” Manalo said.

He added that the country has other concerns such as climate change and migration.

“We were on the council 20 years ago. I was also involved in the campaign [then]. I think it’s time that the Philippines can again be on the world stage,” the official said.

“Our aim is to try and manage our disputes with China. And we have made that very clear. Our aim is to manage disputes peacefully, and through the rule of law and international law,” Manalo said.

In a speech delivered on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the 78th session of the UNGA, Manalo on Sunday asked the UN member-states to back Philippines’ bid for a nonpermanent seat to the UNSC.

“The Philippine candidature for a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028 manifests our strong desire to offer the best of the Philippine diplomatic tradition,” he said.