MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines expressed its appreciation to the international community for the support and goodwill extended throughout the country’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.
After losing to Kyrgsyztan, who secured the Asia-Pacific seat after defeating the Philippines after four rounds of voting, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said that the country “respects” the outcome of the election.
“The Philippines respects the decision of the member states of the United Nations and extends its congratulations to the Kyrgyz Republic following today’s election for the non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council,” Lazaro said in a statement.
“We thank the international community for the support and goodwill extended to the Philippines throughout our candidacy,” she added.
Four other countries won seats during the elections, with Austria and Portugal elected to the Western European and other States (WEOG) Group, while Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe were elected from the Latin American and Caribbean Group and the African Group respectively.
The election marks a historic milestone for Kyrgyzstan, which will serve on the Security Council for the first time since joining the United Nations in 1992, the United Nations mentioned.
The other four newly elected members all have previous Council experience: Austria and Portugal have served three times each, Zimbabwe twice and Trinidad and Tobago once, the UN added.
The Council comprises 15 members: five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States – with veto power and 10 non-permanent members elected for staggered two-year terms.
Seats are distributed among regional groups to ensure geographical representation.
The five countries elected on Wednesday will replace Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia when their terms conclude at the end of 2026.
Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latvia and Liberia will remain on the Council through the end of 2027, providing continuity in its work.
Established under the UN Charter, the Security Council bears primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, according to the UN official website.
Unlike General Assembly resolutions, which are generally non-binding, Security Council decisions adopted under the Charter can carry legal force for all UN Member States.
The Council has the authority to impose sanctions, authorize peacekeeping missions, establish international tribunals and, in exceptional circumstances, authorize the use of force, the UN stated.
Though the Philippines did not win a seat for the term 2027-2028, Lazaro stressed that the country remains committed to working with all nations for global peace and stability.
“The Philippines’ campaign was anchored on its 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,” she said.
“The Philippines remains committed to working with all nations in pursuing peace, stability, sustainable development, and a rules-based international order. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” Lazaro added.
