Secretary Manalo Graces Philippine Independence Day Reception in New York, Outlines Key Priorities for Non-Permanent UN Security Council Seat Bid
Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo outlines PH priorities for the UN Security Council bid in his keynote remarks at the diplomatic reception on 12 June 2025 in New York for the 127th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. (Photo credit: PF Photo Agency)
Permanent Representative Amb. Antonio M. Lagdameo welcomes representatives from Missions, the UN System, and other valuable partners at the Permanent Mission of the Philippines’ 127th Independence Day diplomatic reception in New York on 12 June 2025. (Photo credit: PF Photo Agency)
NEW YORK 16 June 2025 — Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo outlined the priorities of the Philippines for its bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027-2028, recalling the country’s historic commitment to multilateralism, peace, and equality among nations as Asia's first republic.
In his keynote remarks at the diplomatic reception in New York to commemorate the 127th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence on 12 June 2025, Secretary Manalo highlighted the solid track record of the Philippines as a partner, pathfinder, and peacemaker, pledging to uphold the UN Charter with sincerity and resolve if elected to the Security Council.
He also emphasized that the Philippines will bring into the Security Council the country’s 80 years of multilateral experience as a UN member, a tradition of principled diplomacy, and readiness to listen, engage, and lead with purpose.
“The Philippines wishes to harness our track record and the trust and goodwill we enjoy with UN member states as we work with all states in advancing the principles and our common purpose in the UN Charter,” Secretary Manalo told the reception attended by more than 300 diplomats accredited to the UN in New York.
Secretary Manalo added: “We stand for multilateralism that does not retreat in the face of challenge, crisis and fragmentation. Amidst turmoil or paralysis, we seek solutions, we seek new milestones, we persevere in reaching common ground.”
Meanwhile, Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo, Permanent Representative of the Philippines highlighted that the Philippines has been actively campaigning for the Security Council candidature for many years, in line with the country’s commitment to persist in concretely contributing and being part of the solution to today’s global challenges.
“This is a day of great pride for all Filipinos, wherever we may be. A reminder for us to appreciate and protect the freedoms that we enjoy today, and to celebrate our rich culture and identity,” Ambassador Lagdameo emphasized.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his video message, underscored that as a UN member, the country has “helped broker understanding, healing and rebuilding,” proving that time and again that the Philippines continues to be part of the solution.
The President called on guests to reaffirm their trust in the Philippines as it seeks to once again assume a seat as a non-permanent member of the Security Council.
“You can count on the Philippines to continue to be the same tried and tested partner, pathfinder and peacemaker in the Council. We hope for your valuable support in the Security Council elections this June of 2026,” the President stressed.
The Philippines is seeking to represent the Asia-Pacific Group on the Security Council in elections to be held in New York in June 2026.
The last time the Philippines has served in the Security Council for two years was in 2004-2005.
The Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations that has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security in accordance with the UN Charter. It has 15 Members—five permanent (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten elected members with two-year terms. END
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo joins the Permanent Mission of the Philippines, led by Permanent Representative Amb. Antonio M. Lagdameo, in its 127th Independence Day reception in New York on 12 June 2025. (Photo credit: PF Photo Agency)
For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.