Philippines has 'good chances' of getting UN Security Council seat vs Kyrgyzstan
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines continues to actively campaign for a seat at the United Nations Security Council, Ambassador Enrique Manalo told lawmakers on Wednesday, September 3, expressing confidence in the country’s chances even as Kyrgyzstan is its rival for the Asia-Pacific slot.
Manalo, former foreign affairs secretary and now the Philippines' permanent representative to the UN, said at his confirmation hearing that the Philippines has "good chances" of securing the coveted two-year term amid a multi-level lobbying effort that extends from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to embassy staff worldwide.
"We have been campaigning really quite dexterously, especially in the past couple of years," Manalo said during his Commission on Appointments confirmation hearing.
The 2026 UN Security Council election will be held in mid-2026 during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Elected members will serve a two-year non-permanent term.
The Asia-Pacific regional group at the UN typically coordinates to present consensus candidates for the Security Council. For 2026, the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan are competing for the same non-permanent seat, one of five that will be up for grabs.
A seat on the council grants countries the power to vote on resolutions, including those that authorize military action to maintain or restore global peace and security. The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Continued lobbying
Manalo told lawmakers on Wednesday that the president is set to join other world leaders at the UN General Assembly next month to lobby for more support for the Philippines' bid for the UNSC seat.
Marcos had skipped the last two assemblies and last year was represented by Manalo.
"At all various levels, our embassies abroad, our officials in the department, various levers, undersecretary, whenever we meet our counterparts, we've always campaigned hard and sought their support," Manalo said.
"We've also had official exchanges through notes of support and so we have really worked very hard on that," the ambassador added.
This was a response to the question by Sen. Imee Marcos — the president's sister — about the Philippines' chances of getting the Asia-Pacific seat.
The former DFA secretary said the Philippines "[takes] advantage of not only meetings in the UN to meet our counterparts," but also "selected meetings where we feel we can take advantage of opportunities of meeting our counterparts," Manalo said, adding that he had earlier attended a meeting with leaders of countries in the Caribbean.
Besides "wining and dining" with other diplomats and leaders, the ambassador said the country takes advantage of regular joint consultation meetings with a number of countries.
"We always take advantage of that to raise our campaign and seek their support," Manalo said.
"Sino ang karibal natin? Sino pa sa Asia-Pacific ang pumopostura (Who is our rival)?" Marcos asked.
"Kyrgyzstan," Manalo said.
Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia.
The Philippines established bilateral ties with the former Soviet republic in 1992.
Manalo stepped down as DFA secretary following Marcos' sweeping order for all his Cabinet members to resign in May. He was replaced by then-DFA Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro.
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