“The no-veto power seat allows the Philippines to directly address maritime disputes within the highest global security body”
NOT many seem to appreciate that there is a strong, strategic need for this country, one of 50 founding members of the United Nations in 1945 in San Francisco, California, to secure a non-permanent seat (2027-2028) on the UN Security Council, even without veto power.
We are persuaded by keen observers and geopolitical analysts that such membership offers a crucial platform to directly influence global security discussions, defend maritime sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, protect overseas workers, and amplify the voices of developing nations.
The United Nations was officially established on Oct. 24, 1945, in California, following the ratification of the UN Charter by the majority of signatories. The charter was signed earlier that year on June 26, 1945, by representatives from 50 countries at the United Nations Conference on International Organization.
Carlos P. Romulo signed the charter and later became the first Asian president of the UN General Assembly (1949–1950). The country has been a staunch supporter of the UN, contributing to peacekeepings missions for over six decades.
We are in harmony with observers the Philippine bid can open the door to active defense of sovereign interests, influencing global security, middle power diplomacy and protection of Filipino citizens.
The no-veto power seat allows the Philippines to directly address maritime disputes, like in the West Philippine Sea, within the highest global security body.
Despite lacking veto power, non-permanent members are acknowledged for their capacity to help shape, negotiate, and vote on critical resolutions, strengthening the country’s credibility as a proponent of international law and diplomacy.
It provides as well a platform to advocate for the interests of smaller and developing nations, promoting a more democratic, less veto-dependent UN.
We share the thought the position enhances the country’s capacity to influence policies that directly affect the safety and security of 2.19 million documented overseas Filipino workers globally, with Asia taking 1.63 million or 74.5 percent – with Asian top destinations like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuwait.
The bid is significant for fostering a rules-based international order and asserting the Philippines’ role as a “Pathfinder and Peacemaker” in global conflicts.
Malacañang tself has expressed optimism over the Philippines’ push, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his visitthis week to New York, to secure a non-permanent seat, stressing the role carries a responsibility to promote global peace and security.
We heard Palace Press Officer Claire Castro say membership in the UNSC would allow the Philippines to contribute its voice to international discussions on peace and security affecting countries around the world.
Castro was correct when she said “Becoming a member and being given a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council does not mean that only the Philippines’ own interests will be defended or heard.”
The role is about representing broader global concerns and not just national interests.
Indeed, if the Philippines secures a seat in the council in June for the 2027-2028 term, its voice could help contribute to global safety, peace and security, particularly on issues faced by different countries, Castro said, adding “It’s not all about us, it’s all about everybody.”
Rightly, whatever country is facing issues related to peace and security, Manila’s voice should also be heard once this founding member nation becomes a member of the UN Security Council.
She acknowledged the Philippines also has its own security concerns, which may naturally come up in discussions.
We know the Philippines’ participation would not be limited to advancing its own concerns but would aim to serve the broader international community, particularly Asia, where 4.85 billion of the world’s 8.3 billion people live.
Castro aptly said the Philippines “is not only for itself but for everyone. This is not just a privilege, but a responsibility. Not only for the country, but for all nations, especially in Asia.”
The UN Security Council consists of 15 total members: five permanent members with veto power (China, France, Russia, UK, and US) and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. The non-permanent seats are distributed regionally, with five new members elected by the General Assembly each year.
As of Jan. 2026, the 10 non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, elected for staggered two-year terms, are: Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Greece, Latvia, Liberia, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia.
It was in 1965 when the number of non-permanent members was expanded to 10. These 10 non-permanent members are elected by the United Nations General Assembly for two-year terms starting on Jan 1, with five replaced each year.
