Philippines bids for non-permanent seat in UNSC

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to a just and equitable international order as it bids for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for 2027 to 2028.

Abalos said the Philippines is ready to perform its duty once elected to the non-permanent seat during the opening of the 33rd Session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ33) in Vienna, Austria.

“Once elected (to the UNSC), we will serve our duty with a deep dedication to a peaceful, just and equitable international order that is key to the flourishing of each of our nation’s aspirations for our peoples,” Abalos said.

The country was previously elected as a non-permanent member of the UNSC in 1957, 1963, 1980-1981 and 2004-2005.

Abalos said the Philippines is fully committed to battling terrorism, extremism, trafficking in persons and other security issues.

Abalos, who heads the Philippine delegation, said that a united global front is essential in ensuring the international community’s success against major transnational crimes.

“We believe that a united global front is essential to effectively combat transnational crimes, corruption and terrorism in all forms and manifestations,” he added.

He noted that the country is continuously enhancing its criminal justice systems and crime prevention strategies to uphold a rules-based order through international cooperation.

The Marcos administration, he said, has also taken significant steps in combatting crimes, particularly in supply reduction efforts in the campaign against drugs.

He noted that over $587 million worth of illegal drugs had been seized in the administration’s first two years, with “minimal loss of life.”

Abalos also cited reforms in the country’s criminal justice processes, including the empowerment of prosecutors and other law enforcement agencies in building up cases.

The CCPCJ is the principal policymaking body of the UN in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice.