New york city: The Philippines will continue to work with all nations in the pursuit of peace, stability, sustainable development, and a rules-based international order. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro made this assurance following the country's unsuccessful bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), losing to Kyrgyzstan with a 49-142 vote. According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro expressed respect for the decision of the UN member states and extended congratulations to Kyrgyzstan on its win. "We thank the international community for the support and goodwill extended to the Philippines throughout our candidacy," she stated. Lazaro emphasized that the Philippines' campaign was based on its longstanding commitment to peace, dialogue, international law, and cooperation among nations, principles which the country will continue to uphold in the global community. The Philippines failed to secure the required two-thirds majority, or 128 votes from the 191 UN member s present at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City. Before the final count, the UNGA conducted three additional rounds of voting after the first cycle yielded only 85 votes for the Philippines and 105 for Kyrgyzstan. In the subsequent rounds, Manila garnered 81 and 68 votes, while Bishkek received 110 and 123, all short of the necessary number. Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe secured the four remaining Council seats available for the 2027 to 2028 term. These five newly-elected members will replace Pakistan, Denmark, Panama, Somalia, and Greece, whose terms expire on December 31, 2026. Of the newly-elected member states, Austria and Portugal have served on the Council three times, Zimbabwe twice, and Trinidad and Tobago once. Kyrgyzstan, which won the sole seat allocated for the Asia-Pacific regional group, is serving on the Council for the first time. The UNSC consists of 15 member states, with China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States serving as permane nt members. Under the UN Charter, all member states are obligated to comply with Council decisions.