Palace upbeat on PH push for UN Security Council seat

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

UNSC SEAT PUSH. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro holds a press conference at Hilton Garden Inn in New York City, United States on Monday (March 9, 2026). Castro said membership in the UN Security Council would allow the Philippines to contribute its voice to international discussions on peace and security affecting countries around the world. (Photo: PNA/Facebook)

NEW YORK CITY – Malacañang on Monday (New York time) expressed optimism over the Philippines’ push to secure a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stressing that the role carries a responsibility to promote global peace and security.

In a press briefing at Hilton Garden Inn, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said membership in the UNSC would allow the Philippines to contribute its voice to international discussions on peace and security affecting countries around the world.

“Ang pagiging miyembro po at mabigyan po ng non-permanent seat sa UN Security Council, hindi po ito ibig sabihin na sariling interes lang ng Pilipinas ang ipaglalaban o madidinig na boses mula sa Pilipinas (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),” Castro said.

Castro stressed that the role is about representing broader global concerns and not just national interests.

If the Philippines secures a seat in the council, its voice could help contribute to global safety, peace and security, particularly on issues faced by different countries, Castro said.

“It’s not all about us, it’s all about everybody,” she said.

“Kung anumang bansa ang may kinakaharap patungkol sa mga peace and security, kailangan lamang pong madinig din ang Pilipinas kapag naging miyembro po tayo ng UN Security Council (Whatever country is facing issues related to peace and security, the Philippines’ voice should also be heard once we become a member of the UN Security Council),” Castro added.

She acknowledged that the Philippines also has its own security concerns, which may naturally come up in discussions.

She said the Philippines’ participation would not be limited to advancing its own concerns but would aim to serve the broader international community, particularly Asia.

“Ang Pilipinas po ay hindi lang pangsarili, kundi pangkalahatan. Dahil ito po ay hindi lang pribilehiyo, ito ay responsibilidad. Hindi para sa bansa lang, kung hindi pang sa lahat ng bansa, especially sa Asia (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),” Castro said.

The Philippines is actively campaigning for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC for the 2027-2028 term.