Kimberly Capuyan

The Department of Foreign Affairs sought the favor of Mongolia for the Philippines’ vie for a seat in the United Nations (UN) Security Council for 2027-2028 for inclusivity purposes.

Photo Courtesy of Facebook/Department of Foreign Affairs.

During DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo's official visit to Ulaanbaatar from August 4 to 5, Manalo assured the country’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with Mongolia.

“If we become a member, Mongolia can count on the Philippines to participate in the Council in an open, inclusive, and constructive manner,” Manalo said at a press conference with Mongolian foreign minister Battsetseg Batmunkh.

Manalo stressed the shared values between the two countries, citing the similarities between the Philippines’ independent foreign policy and Mongolia’s third neighbor policy.

Manalo also reaffirmed the country’s pledge to be a “committed partner, pathfinder, and peacemaker” for Mongolia if elected to the council, according to a Department of Foreign Affairs press release.

Security Council members can vote on resolutions that will authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.

The Philippines secured the verbal support of 16 members of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in November 2023, but UN experts put its leadership pursuit under scrutiny.

Irene Khan, UN special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, recommended the abolition of the “outdated” National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

"It can hardly be a security council member and not manage its own security problems in line with UN standards," Khan said.

The council has 15 members, including five permanent members, China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States; and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. 

The Philippines was last elected as a non-permanent council member from 2004 to 2005.