By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter
MANILA is looking to strengthen its bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during the UN’s general assembly this month, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday.
“The Philippine delegation will also ramp up efforts to pursue the country’ s bid for a non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028,” the agency said in a statement.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa P. Lazaro will lead the Philippine delegation, the agency said, after the Presidential palace announced that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. will skip the assembly next week as he focuses on local issues.
The DFA said that the Philippine delegation will reaffirm the country’s strong commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based order.
“She will highlight the Philippines’ role in addressing complex challenges as well as the country’s call for a stronger UN — one that promotes peace, security, climate action, migrant protection, and sustainable development,” it added.
The country has been actively campaigning for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC, amid growing concerns of Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. The election will be held next year, with members serving a two-year non-permanent term.
Relations between Manila and Beijing have been strained in recent years due to frequent confrontations in the South China Sea, where China has expanded its presence despite a 2016 arbitral ruling by a UN-backed tribunal that voided its sweeping claims. Beijing has ignored the decision.
Ms. Lazaro, along with other agency heads, will also conduct high-level discussions on issues that include artificial intelligence, climate financing, migration, biodiversity, and maritime security.
“She will also meet with foreign ministers to strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties, promoting Philippine interests and advancing national priorities,” the DFA said.
Chester B. Cabalza, founding president of Manila-based think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, said that the Philippines’ bid for the UNSC seat could allow the country to acquire a central role in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The bid for another seat for 2027-2028 is crucial and important is the Philippines plays a central middle power role in the Indo-Pacific region amid the South China Sea tension,” Mr. Cabalza said in a Messenger chat.
He added that if Manila succeeds in its plan, the seat could be used to leverage its national interest for international lobbying on maritime security.
“This opportunity is an echo chamber of persuasion for the code of conduct since China is a permanent member of the UNSC,” he said.
Separately, Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro dismissed claims President Marcos canceled his trip to New York due to the planned protest against corruption on Sept. 21, noting it was not a factor.
“Protesting is natural. That is normal in every country if our countrymen have sentiments. The President is not afraid because he knows that the people’s protests are about fighting corruption,” Ms. Castro told a news briefing on Tuesday.
Mr. Marcos is focusing on managing the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure, that will investigate irregularities in flood control projects, she said.
Apart from that he will still focus on the people’s needs, the price of goods still needs to be reduced, and many others,” Ms. Castro told a news briefing. “As the President, (Mr. Marcos) has many jobs.”
