PH allocates over P20.7M to fund UN Security Council bid

Citing a report from Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Theresa Lazaro, Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro the said budget was set aside for the country’s UNSC bid.

“Mayroon po, ayon po iyan sa 2026 GAA po natin. Mayroon pong budget (There is a budget, under the 2026 General Appropriations Act),” Castro said in Palace briefing on Thursday, March 12.

When asked what kind of campaign activities the budget was allocated for, Castro said it intends to fund all forms of campaign for the candidature, which will be decided on June 3.

“Sa lahat ng klase ng pangangampaniya para po maipakita ng ating Pangulo na tayo po ay interesado na magkaroon ng non-permanent seat sa UN Security Council (In all kinds of campaigning to show that our President is interested in securing a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council),” Castro said.

President Marcos returned to Manila late Wednesday night from his working visit in New York. Among his agendas was to rally support for the Philippines’ UNSC bid.

Marcos said the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028 highlights that the country could give a voice to the Indo-Pacific, including developing countries, climate-vulnerable nations, and middle-income countries.

During his special address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to campaign for the Philippines’ bid, Marcos stressed that the country “is ready to be part of the solution.”

“Always ready to be part of the solution, the Philippines has regularly proven itself to be an independent, trusted partner, an innovative pathfinder, and a committed peacemaker,” he said.

“In the midst of mounting challenges and uncertainties, our United Nations need steady, committed, experienced hands; and we humbly offer ours – to serve in the UN Security Council for 2027 to 2028,” he added.

During his trip, he also hosted a luncheon reception for UN Permanent Representatives to gather support for the Philippines’ UNSC bid. — Betheena Unite