DFA: Several countries vowed support for PH UN Security Council membership

Several countries have committed their support for the Philippines' election to the United Nations Security Council, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Tuesday.

“We have already a number but many countries have not yet made a formal decision," Manalo told the Senate Finance Committee, which was tackling the Department of Foreign Affairs’ proposed 2024 budget.

"But we already have a count of those who have already formally committed in writing to support our candidature either unilaterally or through some kind of a mutual arrangement.”

Manalo explained that a commitment of support for countries that are seeking a seat in the UN Security Council is “done secretly.”

The Philippines will be competing against Kyrgyzstan for the seat, the DFA chief added.

“The election [will be in 2026] for the term 2027 to [2028]. Two years. So, we are beginning to campaign because the earlier we start the better. Because... to be elected to the security council, you have to be elected by two-thirds of the members of the [UN] General Assembly,” he said.

In an interview with reporters, Manalo said the Philippines had started its campaign for the UN Security Council seat.

He explained the importance of being part of the international council, especially in airing the Philippines’ concerns on various security issues.

“[The] Security Council is a principal organ of the UN, and the council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. So lahat ng major problems of the world kino-consider ng security council. So, if we are on the council, we will have a voice in this issue, sa mga global issues,” Manalo said.

Speaking at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York City, Manalo had said the Philippines counted "on the support of all UN member states" in its candidacy for a seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2027–2028.

He said this campaign ‘'manifests our desire to offer the best of the Philippine diplomatic tradition.'' — DVM, GMA Integrated news