MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reiterated the Philippines’ bid for a seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) while he was in New York, according to the Palace.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that Marcos met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Headquarters in New York.
During the meeting, the two tackled the Philippines’ bid for a UNSC seat.
While Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez said that a UNSC seat could impact the country’s claim in the West Philippine Sea, Castro said that the Philippines was not pursuing a seat out of its own self-interest.
“It’s not all about us, it’s all about everybody. 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 dahil ang boses na ito ang maaaring makapag-ambag para sa pandaigdigang kaligtasan, kapayapaan at seguridad,” Castro said.
(It’s not all about us, it’s all about everybody. Any country that faces concerns with peace and security, the Philippines just needs to hear them if we become a member of the UN Security Council because their voice could contribute to international safety, peace and security.)
Castro acknowledged, however, that the issue of the West Philippine Sea could still be brought up should it become a UNSC member.
However, a UNSC membership is a responsibility, not a privilege, Castro stressed.
Elections for a UNSC seat will be held on June 3, 2026.
Marcos is in New York for a two-day visit. Apart from meeting with Guterres, Marcos delivered an address for the 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.