By Brian Campued
The Philippines’ reputation in the international community was negatively affected by the current political landscape, resulting in the country’s failed bid to secure a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Malacañang said Thursday.
“Lahat ng political noise, lahat ng political tensions, nakakaapekto ito at ito ang nakikita ng taumbayan at ng buong mundo sa impression dito sa Pilipinas,” Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a press briefing.
“So, nagiging negatibo dahil sa mga ingay na ito na karamihan naman ay obstructionist,” Castro added, citing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s remarks during an interview with reporters in Japan last May 29, where the President noted that there are “obstructionists” who only attack the government, no matter how it performs.
Meanwhile, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro assured that the Philippines will continue to work with all nations in the pursuit of peace, stability, sustainable development, and a rules-based international order.
In a statement following the UN General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York City on Wednesday, Lazaro said the Philippines respects the decision of the UN member states and congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its win.
Manila failed to secure the required two-thirds majority against Bishkek from the UN members present at the election, via a 49-142 final vote.
“We thank the international community for the support and goodwill extended to the Philippines throughout our candidacy,” Lazaro said.
“Our campaign was anchored on our longstanding commitment to peace, dialogue, international law, and cooperation among nations. These remain principles that the Philippines will continue to uphold and advance in the global community.”
Other countries that secured the four remaining UNSC seats for term 2027-2028 were Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe.
The five newly-elected members will replace Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia whose term of office expires at the end of 2026.
The UNSC consists of 15 member-states, with China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States serving as permanent members with veto power and 10 non-permanent members among regional groups elected for staggered two-year terms.
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