Fil-Am leaders laud PBBM’s push for UN Security Council seat

NEW YORK CITY – Filipino American community leaders lauded efforts of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to seek support for the Philippines’ candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

About 200 Fil-Am leaders attended a special plenary session of the UN General Assembly in New York City, where Marcos delivered a speech urging member states to back the Philippines’ bid for a Security Council seat for 2027-2028.

“The Philippines stands ready once again to contribute, to help calm voices of division, provide a voice of balance, to shun ambition for service, and always as a voice for principled peace,” Marcos said. “And thus, I stand before you to humbly petition for your support for the Philippines in the elections on the 3rd of June, 2026.”

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Community leader and former Philippine Consul General in New York Mario de Leon welcomed Marcos’ “strong reaffirmation” that multilateralism and respect for international law “remain essential to preserving peace” amid rising geopolitical tensions.

‘Credible and principled candidate’

De Leon said the Philippines’ record of consensus‑building, peacekeeping and adherence to international norms shows why the country is a “credible and principled candidate” to serve again as a non‑permanent member of the Security Council.

He said the country’s voice would help “advance diplomacy, stability and cooperation” in an increasingly complex global environment.

Loida Nicolas Lewis, chair of the Coalition for Filipino Amerasians, said Marcos’ speech covered the Philippines’ history with the UN “from being a co‑founder in 1946 up to the present, the failure of diplomacy to avoid war in various parts of the world and the Philippines’ stand for the rule of law.”

About 200 Fil-Am community leaders, including Loida Nicolas Lewis (center), attended a special plenary session of the UN General Assembly in New York City. Photo by Elton Lugay

She said the speech reminded her how “deeply embedded” the country has been in the UN system’s evolution.

Community leader Lora Nicolas Olaes said Marcos “represented the Philippines well” and noted with pride that “our small country” has sent Filipino military contingents to support peacekeeping operations in countries like Sudan and Congo.

Olaes welcomed Marcos’ advocacy for “the rule of law, multilateralism, climate change, human rights and vulnerable groups.”

Human rights lawyer Elizabeth Cueva praised Marcos’ efforts to boost Manila’s chances to win a UN Security Council seat amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

Promoting ‘principled peace’

“As BBM noted, we have always been the peacemaker and pathfinder,” she said, adding that winning a seat would enable the Philippines to help “calm voices of division, provide a voice of balance and promote principled peace.”

Jan Andrada, founder of “Marcos Loyalists para sa Bagong Pilipinas” in New York, said she was struck by Marcos’ “sincere efforts” to secure a seat that will enable the Philippines to help promote peace.

Former JCI Philippines – New York president Jocelyn Bernal said she appreciated the Philippines’ leadership on important issues, “a reminder that the country continues to contribute a constructive voice to the global community through the United Nations.”

Bernal said securing a UN Security Council seat would complement the country’s leadership role this year as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro (left) with community leader Juliet Payabyab | Photo by Elton Lugay

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro told Inquirer she viewed the president’s presentation as “a comprehensive reminder” of Manila’s contributions to UN peacekeeping, migrant protection and women’s empowerment.

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