Support sought for Philippines UN Security Council bid

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday sought support for the Philippines’ bid for a seat in the United Nations Security Council and emphasized the importance of a rules-based international order during a New Year reception attended by diplomats, including the ambassador of China.

In his toast at the traditional vin d’honneur at Malacañang, Marcos said the Philippines’ candidature for a non-permanent security council seat for the 2027-2028 term stands on its “rich experience” in building peace, forging consensus and finding new pacts for cooperation.

“With a long history and a credible record of multilateral diplomacy, the Philippines is in a very strong position to take on more leadership roles that seek to advocate on consequential issues in the global agenda. One such important issue is peace and security,” the President said.

“Our candidature is consistent with our long-held view that we need to further strengthen multilateralism efforts that will reform the Security Council and revitalize the general sentiment,” he added.

Marcos cited the Philippines’ deployment of 14,000 troops to 21 UN peacekeeping operations and special political missions over the past 60 years.

“I take this opportunity anew to convey to your respective governments our earnest request for your support to our UN SC bid and we hope for your support when the time comes that we are indeed sitting as a member of the UN Security Council,” the Chief Executive said.

In the same remarks, Marcos reiterated that the Philippines continues to encourage adherence to the rule of law, a concept mentioned consistently in the country’s statements on the South China Sea dispute.

“Our foreign policy has always been to encourage peace and to foster cooperation while also ensuring that international law is faithfully complied with and permeates all facets of relations amongst nations. For it is only through a rules-based international order that peace and development can be achieved,” Marcos told attendees of the formal reception, including Chinese envoy Huang Xilian.

China continues to commit aggressive actions in the South China Sea to assert its maritime claim, which was voided by an