PH loses bid for UN Security Council non-permanent seat

MANILA, Philippines, June 4 ------ The Philippines did not secure the non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. The Philippines was up against Kyrgyzstan for the lone seat in the Asia-Pacific region. 

The voting of the UN General Assembly, which took place on Wednesday, June 3 (Philippine time), saw Kyrgyzstan initially listing a 105-85 win in the first round, 110-81 in the second round, and 123-68 in the third round. A candidate in the country needed to secure two-thirds of the 190 voting members for the Asia-Pacific group, or at least 128 votes.

Kyrgyzstan nailed it in the fourth round of voting with 142 votes against the Philippines’ 49. Kyrgyzstan will begin its term on January 1, 2027. 

The UNSC consists of 15 members. Five of these are permanent, with veto power, while 10 are non-permanent members. Its primary role is to maintain international peace and security.

The Philippines last served on the council in 2004-2005. Last March, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the UNGA to make a pitch for the country’s candidature to the council.

Source: manilatimes.net