Ambassador and Permanent Representative Antonio M. Lagdameo delivers the ASEAN and Philippine statements at the Ministerial Level Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council On "The Rule of Law among Nations" at the UN Headquarters in New York on 12 January 2023. (Photo Credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe)

 

UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 12 January 2023 – Ambassador and Permanent Representative (PR) Antonio M. Lagdameo of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York delivered the statements of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Philippines at the Ministerial Level Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council on "The Rule of Law among Nations" at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The high-level meeting was convened by the Government of Japan, current President of the Security Council, under the agenda item “the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security.” H.E. Mr. Hayashi Yoshimasa, Foreign Minister of Japan, chaired the open debate which focused on the role of the rule of law among nations in fulfilling the purposes of the United Nations and the Charter of the United Nations in the maintenance of peace and security.

“Our world today is facing increasingly complex and cross-cutting challenges, including challenges to the rule of law among nations, on almost all fronts. The need to uphold the rule of law has never been as urgent as now,” Ambassador and PR Lagdameo, said on behalf of the ASEAN.

“ASEAN Member States are committed to upholding the principles stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations and on the basis of international law, which is the indispensable foundation of a more peaceful, prosperous and just world,” Ambassador Lagdameo stressed.

He reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism and the significance of ASEAN’s partnerships with other external partners including regional and international organizations, such as the United Nations, to address global concerns, pursue shared goals and promote sustainable development and inclusive growth.

He added, “ASEAN Member States share a commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, security, and stability in our region, including in maritime areas such as the South China Sea, as well as to the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.”

For the Philippine national statement, Ambassador and PR Lagdameo reaffirmed Philippine commitment to the Charter and adherence to the rule of law among nations, noting that it is a founding member of the United Nations.

He highlighted the utmost efforts exerted by the Philippines to reinforce the predictability & stability of international law – a great equalizer among states – in addressing challenges to peace and security.

He also remarked, “With the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, we provided an example of how states should resolve their differences: through reason and through right. The South China Sea Arbitration, along with the Convention, are twin anchors of our positions and actions on the South China Sea.”

The Philippines is not a member of the UN Security Council but delivered the statement pursuant Rule XIV, Rule 137 of the UN General Assembly Rules of Procedure. It may be recalled that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his first address to the General Assembly cited the Philippine bid to earn a seat at the Security Council for the term 2027-2028. END