The Philippines formally reaffirmed its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027–2028 term, with Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro underscoring Manila’s commitment to advancing global peace and amplifying the voices of developing nations.
In her address at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, Lazaro said the Philippines’ bid reflects its “depth of experience earned from our struggles for peace,” pointing to the success of peacebuilding efforts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as proof that inclusive and sustained dialogue can transform conflict into progress.
“Peacebuilding, though sometimes arduous and long, gives communities their rightful future,” she stressed.
The Foreign Affairs chief also called for overdue reforms in the international development financing system, pressing for a stronger role for developing countries in decision-making processes.
Lazaro urged developed nations to fulfill their climate finance obligations and for multilateral development banks to act with greater accountability.
“We need to rebalance decision-making power in global financial institutions,” she said, adding that developing countries must be co-architects of systems that determine allocation, eligibility and accountability of development financing.
Turning to maritime security, Lazaro reaffirmed the Philippines’ adherence to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the binding 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea.
She lamented continued illegal, coercive, and aggressive actions against Filipino ships and fisherfolk but underscored Manila’s commitment to rules-based order in maritime disputes.
Hansley A. Juliano, a political science lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University, said winning a seat would enhance Manila’s diplomatic profile and help align international institutions with Philippine interests.
“The Philippines being part of the UNSC, even in a nonpermanent capacity, helps raise our profile as a regional security hub and further aligns global institutions with us against China,” he said.
The Philippines last held a UNSC non-permanent seat in 2004–2005 during the Macapagal-Arroyo administration.
The UNSC is the UN’s most powerful body, with the authority to adopt binding resolutions on peace and security.
The five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the UK and US — hold veto power.
