MANILA – The Philippines pledged to remain an active advocate for peace, stability, and international cooperation after failing to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the country remains committed to promoting dialogue, respect for international law, and collaboration among nations, regardless of the outcome of the UN election.
The Philippines lost to Kyrgyzstan in the race for the lone Asia-Pacific seat, receiving 49 votes against Kyrgyzstan’s 142 during the final tally on Wednesday.
Lazaro thanked the international community for the support extended throughout the campaign and said Manila accepts the decision made by UN member states. She also congratulated Kyrgyzstan for winning a place on the Council.
The election required candidates to obtain a two-thirds majority of votes from the 191 member states participating in the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The necessary 128 votes were not reached by either country in the initial rounds, prompting additional balloting.
In the first round, the Philippines garnered 85 votes while Kyrgyzstan received 105. Subsequent rounds saw Manila’s total decline to 81 and 68 votes, while Kyrgyzstan’s support increased to 110 and 123.
Joining Kyrgyzstan as newly elected non-permanent members for the 2027-2028 term are Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe. They will take over from Pakistan, Denmark, Panama, Somalia, and Greece when those countries complete their terms at the end of 2026.
Kyrgyzstan’s victory marks its first-ever stint on the Security Council. Austria and Portugal are returning for a fourth term, while Zimbabwe and Trinidad and Tobago have previously served on the body.
The Security Council is composed of 15 members, including the five permanent powers — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States — which hold permanent seats under the UN system.
ia/xf
