SENATE president pro tempore Jinggoy Estrada yesterday appealed to fellow parliamentarians to support the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent status on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
Estrada made the appeal when he presided over the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) + 3 meeting at the ongoing 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, wherein he highlighted the country’s dedication to the peaceful resolution of disputes, regional stability, and multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges.
“The Philippines, as the first Asian republic and a founding member of the United Nations, is committed to upholding the rule of law and pursuing peace and equality. We are a trusted partner and dedicated peacemaker, collaborating with the international community to tackle global challenges,” Estrada said.
“As a developing country, the Philippines can set an example for smaller and less influential nations that champion the rule of law in peacefully resolving external conflicts, engaging in peacebuilding initiatives, conducting diplomatic efforts, and fostering multilateral cooperation to enhance regional stability and address geopolitical challenges,” he added.
By advocating for their interests and concerns in advancing and maintaining international peace and security, Estrada said the Philippines aims to amplify the voices of these nations in global decision-making processes, ensuring that their interests and concerns are represented.
He said the Philippine government has been actively participating in peacebuilding initiatives and has consistently called for dialogue and mutual respect among nations to address geopolitical challenges.
“Our candidacy is anchored in the Philippines’ longstanding advocacy for adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in addressing territorial disputes. Our aspiration to serve on the UNSC is driven by our desire to contribute meaningfully to the promotion of peace, justice, and multilateral cooperation,” Estrada said.
The Philippines has served as a non-permanent member of the UNSC in 1957, 1963, 1980–1981, and 2004–2005. The current bid aligns with the nation’s enduring commitment to strengthening multilateralism and contributing to global peace and security.
“As representatives of your governments, I appeal to each of you to support the Philippines’ candidacy. Let us work together toward a future where collaboration and mutual respect guide our actions,” Estrada said.
Estrada said that the ASEAN+3, which includes Southeast Asian countries along with China, Japan and South Korea, wants regional solidarity to address the urgent situation in Myanmar, which has worsened by a recent devastating earthquake.
“During the earlier ASEAN+3 Group Meeting, we discussed the concern on the worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar as a consequence of the recent earthquake that struck the region and called for solidarity on this matter. Countries with the same view will cooperate on the emergency item to be included in the agenda of the 150th IPU Assembly,” Estrada said in presenting the key outcomes of the ASEAN+3 meeting at the Asia Pacific Group meeting in the IPU.
In his report, Estrada also conveyed the ASEAN+3’s endorsement of several candidates from member states to fill vacancies in various IPU bodies.
The nominations include Mardani Ali Sera, Indonesia, executive committee; Ravindra Airlangga, Indonesia, standing committee on sustainable development; Wong Chen, Malaysia, standing committee on democracy and human rights; Bramantyo Suwondo, Indonesia, standing committee on United Nations affairs; Jazuli Juwaini, Indonesia, committee on Middle East questions; and Husein Fadhulloh, Indonesia, Estr Bureau of Young Parliamentarians.
