Marcos Flies to New York on a Mission — Wants the Philippines on the UN Security Council

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. touched down in New York on Sunday for a high-stakes working visit to the United Nations, with one main goal: to rally support for the Philippines' bid to secure a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.

"This candidature is about shared responsibility. It is about ensuring that the voice of the Philippines — and of developing countries — is heard at the highest forum of global peace and security," Marcos said in his pre-departure speech. Palace Press Officer Clarissa Castro echoed the sentiment, saying the seat would allow Manila to help shape global agendas on international peace and security — hindi lang para sa Pilipinas, kundi para sa buong region.

The UNSC is the most powerful body in the UN, with the authority to pass binding resolutions on matters of peace and security. It has five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US — who hold veto power, while 10 non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms with voting rights but no veto. The election will take place in June, and a candidate needs a two-thirds majority to win.

Political analysts see the bid as both prestigious and tricky. UP Diliman professor Herman Kraft noted that UNSC members get access to information other UN General Assembly members don't — and can even hold the rotating presidency. But he warned that geopolitical tensions, especially the Philippines' alliance with the US and disputes with China sa West Philippine Sea, could create diplomatic dilemmas.

The Philippines previously served on the council in 1957, 1963, 1980-1981, and 2004-2005. If elected, it would give Manila a direct channel to push its foreign policy goals — including maritime rights in the South China Sea — on the world's biggest stage. The June vote will be the moment of truth.

Source: BusinessWorld