MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines holds a significant role this year at the United Nations after it was elected to chair the Special UN Committee tasked to look at proposals to improve and strengthen the organization.

"It is significant that the Philippines will chair this key United Nations body as it observes its 35th year," Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Hilario Davide said.

The Philippines was elected last week to chair the Special Committee on the Charter of the UN and on the Strengthening of the Role of the UN Organization.

The Committee was formed based on the proposal made by former Philippine Foreign Minister, the late General Carlos P. Romulo, in 1975.

Romulo pursued the establishment of the Special Committee in order to examine proposals to bolster the world body's role in maintaining peace and security, to advance cooperation among nations, and to promote international law.

"The Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations is a lasting legacy that the Philippines and General Romulo has given to the United Nations," Davide said.

Elected to Chair the Special Committee for its 2010 Session was Carlos D. Sorreta, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

The Special Committee started its work last March 1 and plans to complete its work this week.

It is expected to take up the following agenda items during its 2010 Session:

    * Strengthening the role of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security
    * International peace and security and the proper application of sanctions
    * The peaceful settlement of disputes
    * The impact of sanctions and assistance to third States affected by them
    * Request for an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice on the question of the use of force without prior approval by the Security Council.

Based on the early work of the Special Committee and the leadership of the Philippine Government, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on 15 November 1982 (GA resolution 37/10) adopting the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes.

In his long and historic service in the United Nations, Romulo gave particular emphasis to the rule of law and the maintenance of peace and security, which are at the heart of the work of the Special Committee.