A budget of P20.785 million has been earmarked under the 2026 General Appropriations Act to fund the Philippines’ campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, Palace Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed Thursday.
Castro, who cited a report from Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro during a Malacañang briefing on March 12, said the funds would cover the full range of campaign activities ahead of the June 3 vote.
“Sa lahat ng klase ng pangangampaniya para po maipakita ng ating Pangulo na tayo po ay interesado na magkaroon ng non-permanent seat sa UN Security Council (In all kinds of campaigning to show that our President is interested in securing a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council),” Castro said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who returned to Manila late Wednesday after a working visit to New York, personally lobbied for the bid during his trip. He addressed the United Nations General Assembly and hosted a luncheon for UN Permanent Representatives, using both occasions to build support among member states.
The Philippines is seeking a seat on the council for the 2027–2028 term. Marcos framed the bid as an opportunity for the Indo-Pacific region — particularly developing nations, climate-vulnerable countries, and middle-income economies — to have a stronger voice in global security deliberations.
“Always ready to be part of the solution, the Philippines has regularly proven itself to be an independent, trusted partner, an innovative pathfinder, and a committed peacemaker,” Marcos said in his UNGA address.
