DFA: ‘Geopolitical forces’ led to failed PH’s UN Security Council bid

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro cited “forces in geopolitical issues” as factors behind the Philippines’ failed bid for a nonpermanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

Lazaro told lawmakers that securing the seat had required a “herculean” campaign, as she faced questions about the Philippines’ loss during a House of Representatives appropriations committee hearing on the Department of Foreign Affairs’ proposed 2027 budget.

“Unfortunately, there are many other forces in geopolitical issues,” she maintained.

READ: PH accepts UN Security Council loss to Kyrgyzstan after multi-round vote

“If a reason is being asked why we failed in our bid, the only answer to that is the geopolitical issues. I can spell it, but I would prefer in writing so I can tell you. But, it is geopolitical issues,” she added without further expounding.

The Philippines lost to Kyrgyzstan in its bid last June for a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term.

For its part, Malacañang blamed “political noise from obstructionists” for the country’s loss.

READ: PH bid for UN Security Council: A case built on substance

At the hearing, DFA Financial Management Services chief Assistant Secretary Emilio Fernandez noted that their department had been allotted a total of P70 million through its 2025 and 2026 budgets.

Fernandez added that, of the P70 million allotted, only P52.5 million had been utilized.

The Philippines previously served on the council in 1957, 1963, 1980–1981 and 2004–2005, while Kyrgyzstan had never served on the council before. /dl