The Philippines is vying for the one open seat for the Asia-Pacific Group. Kyrgyzstan, which has never sat in the United Nations Security Council, is vying for the same seat.

Experts say Manila, if elected, would likely use its security council seat to advance regional priorities such as Myanmar, while carefully balancing relations with major powers.

The Philippines wants a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council — the multilateral body’s most powerful body that’s been accused of inaction in a world plunged…