Marcos touts Philippines 'global peace' commitment in bid for UN Security Council seat

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday used his keynote address at an international trade summit to underscore the country's role in maintaining global peace and stability, framing it as a key factor in the Philippines' bid for a seat on the powerful United Nations Security Council.

Spreaking to local and international government officials on Monday, September 9, Marcos cited the Philippines' tenure holding non-permanent seat in the UN council two decades ago. The country, he said, "championed a framework" against the threat of non-state actors in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. 

"As the first Asian republic, the Philippines has always stood for principles over power. We were among the original framers of the United Nations (UN) Charter, and our commitment to peace and stability has been unwavering," Marcos said at the Strategic Trade Management Summit. It was the first time the Philippines hosted the event.

"Today, as we pursue a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027-2028, we are doubling down on that same commitment," the president added.

Marcos stressed the importance of cooperation in addressing modern security challenges, particularly those arising from rapid technological advancements. 

The president recalled it was during his term as senator in 2015 that the 16th Congress in the Philippines passed Republic Act 10697, or the Strategic Trade Management Act, which regulates the export of dual-use goods (items that can be used for civilian and military purposes) to prevent them from being used as doomsday weapons.

For Marcos, the summit, which was attended by leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as the United States, Europe, Japan and Africa, is "not merely about managing trade."

"It is also about mitigating risks, promoting stability and confidence in our regulatory regimes, and ensuring that the tools of our progress do not become weapons of our destruction," the president added.

Marcos also highlighted the Philippines' ongoing efforts to modernize its trade regulations and strengthen its supply chain security. While he acknowledged the Philippines' improved