16 APPF member countries support Phl’s bid for UN Security Council seat

The Philippines is guaranteed support from at least 16 member countries of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum for its bid to secure a non-permanent seat at the United States Security Council for the term 2027-2028. 

On the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the Department of Foreign Affairs has identified at least 15 APPF countries that have signified support for a Philippine seat at the UNSC.

"Without naming names of countries, so far, the DFA has pointed out that out of 27 countries of the APPF…we have the support of already 15 countries," Zubiri told reporters on the sidelines of the APPF31.

Before the media briefing, House Speaker Martin Romualdez mentioned that one other country has also signified support for the Philippines' endeavor. 

"We got the additional commitment of support from one…That's just on the first lunch. We are still waiting for our other friends in the region… That's why, right away this forum is paying off dividends. So we're very confident that with God's prayers and all your support we shall be successful," Romualdez said.

Earlier this month, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that Timor-Leste has reaffirmed its support for the Philippines' bid for a UNSC seat and recognized the country's "continuing interest to help Timor-Leste improve its economy while recalling the country's contribution in "defining Timor-Leste's existence as a separate specific entity."

The Philippines was previously elected to the UNSC in 2004, where it was able to campaign for continued support for assistance that was tailored to the needs of the young state.

In September 2022, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the country's UNSC bid during the 77th session of the UN General Assembly.

Marcos emphasized the Philippines' peace-building efforts make it qualified to be part of the Security Council.

Meanwhile, Zubiri noted that the Philippines still has to get 11 more member-states to support its bid to ensure its election to the UN body—which will be held during the 81st UN General Assembly in 2026.

The UNSC consists of 15 member-states. All are obligated to comply with Council decisions.

China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States serve as permanent members of the UNSC.