PH campaigns for a UN Security Council seat with 'rule of law, peace and stability' as key interests

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 29) -- The Philippines is aiming to engage in important dialogues and debates and vote on important security issues as it campaigns for a seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027 to 2028 period, a Department of Foreign Affairs official said..

During the sidelines of the Commemoration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers event in Pasay City, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said the Philippines already presented its candidature and started its campaign.

De Vega however did expound on the details of the government's campaign efforts.

"Well, we will be able to engage in the most important dialogue and debate and vote even in important issues. We have, of course, interest in the rule of law, international law, and maintaining peace and stability," said De Vega when asked why it is important for the Philippines to get a seat at the UNSC.

The DFA official said that the welfare of overseas Filipinos could also be tackled in the UNSC.

"It's very important we have millions of Filipinos overseas and we need the world to continue living and aspiring for goals for which the UN was even created," De Vega said.

"We are part of the Asia group, which is now at least 50 members and when you run, you don't just run, you don't run haphazardly. You know, because it's a lot of effort to run," he added.

De Vega said that the country's peacekeeping efforts are factors which can show the international community that Manila is ready to take on another seat at the UNSC.

"We have our experience in peacekeeping and peace-building in Mindanao particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for example. So, we are ready to represent the interests of UN peace-loving member states in the Security Council for a better future for humanity, decency, fairness and justice governing our daily lives," De Vega said in a separate speech.

President Bongbong Marcos first announced the country's bid for a UN Security Council seat during his speech at the UN General Assembly in September 2022.

The UN Security Council is composed of 15 member-states which are entitled to one vote. Under the UN Charter, all members are mandated to follow the decision of the Council.

The Security Council has the primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. It also takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to peace or an act of aggression.

China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States are permanent members of the council. The 10 non-permanent members sit on the council for a term of two years and can be reinstated if elected by the UN General Assembly.

The Philippines had been a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 1957, 1963, 1980-1981 and 2004-2005.