Malacañang defends President Marcos' push for UN Security Council seat

Malacañang on Monday defended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push for the Philippines to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying the move would allow the country to take part in key decisions involving global peace and security.

Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro dismissed criticisms over the President’s effort to obtain a seat in the council, noting that the Philippines stands to gain a voice in international policymaking and enhance its standing as a proponent of peace.

"Ang pagiging miyembro po, sa isang non-permanent seat, makakapagbigay po ito ng pagkakataon upang makapag-hubog ng mga pangdaigdigang agenda o adhikain," Castro said in an interview on Monday, March 9.

Castro said the initiative is not only meant to advance the Philippines’ national interests but could also benefit the broader region.

"At hindi lang po 'yan, ito po ay makakapag-angat ng ating kredibilidad upang mapakita natin na tayo ay leader para sa kapayapaan. At maliban po diyan, pati po ang pagiging integridad ng Pilipinas upang gampanan ang kanyang tungkulin para mas lumawig pa ang pagtawag sa pangdaigdigang kapayapaan," Castro said.

The Palace spokesperson added that the country’s capability to secure a UNSC seat should not be underestimated, expressing disappointment that some Filipinos view the initiative negatively.

"Instead na magiging positibo, mas nagiging negatibo po. Mas nadidinig pa ang pagbagsak sa integridad ng Pilipinas— parang talangka na pilit ibinabagsak kung ano man ang kapasidad ng ating bansa," Castro expressed.

"Ang boses po na ito — kahit isang bansa lang po tayo — kapag naipakita po ng ating bansa kung ano (ang) nararapat para sa pangdaigdigang kapayapaan at seguridad, ito po ay pakikinggan. Kahit papaano po ang boses na 'yan ay kailangan," she added.

Marcos is currently in the United States for engagements at the United Nations from March 9 to 10, including a special session of the United Nations General Assembly and the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.