The Philippines is seeking the support of the United Nations (UN) member states as the country takes the lead in the 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference to be held at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA on May 3 to 28.

In one of his last key messages before retiring from his post, former Philippine Representative to the UN Ambassador Hilario Davide Jr. sought the support of the 192 member states of the UN in ensuring a successful NPT Review Conference, which will be headed by the Philippines.

“The Philippines will not rest, nor tire nor weaken in seeking the support of Member States in ensuring a positive outcome in this upcoming review conference," Davide said, in his statement before the opening of the 2010 Substantive Session of the United Nations Disarmament Commission held on March 31.

"The Philippines believes that the most deadly weapons in existence are nuclear weapons. Thus it is incumbent upon all nations to see to it that these weapons do not spread and are eliminated in an irreversible and verifiable manner," he said.

The NPT is said to have the widest adherence of any arms control agreement.

It will be recalled that the Philippines hosted a two-day workshop in February in preparation for the said Review Conference.

Davide meanwhile reiterated the Philippine position calling for the total elimination of nuclear weapons.